Parallel Hybrids-How Do They Compare to Other Hybrids?

Hybrid vehicles have made a huge splash on the automobile market, and look to have no intentions of slowing down. Many are mesmerized by this unique car because of its innovative and environmentally friendly composition. Hybrid cars are composed of a standard gasoline engine in addition to an electric motor. Hybrids come in two main classes: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. To truly understand this fast growing trend, one must delve deeper into the creation of this vehicle.

Both parallel and series hybrids have the same six components: a small gas engine, a fuel tank, an electric motor, generator, transmission, and batteries. What makes a hybrid different from the traditional automobile is that it utilizes two power sources, an electric motor and internal combustion engine. This engine is the final source of energy that provides power to the vehicle. The electric motor helps when more power is needed. Hybrid cars are in demand for a number of reasons. For one, the engine is more compact and efficient than a standard automobile. Most hybrid vehicles are also lighter, and have more room than non-hybrids because they do not require the use of heavy batteries. Hybrids are also known to be extremely fuel efficient, and release far less harmful emissions than a typical car.

Presently, the parallel hybrid is the more common of the two classes. In the parallel system, a gas engine and fuel tank are connected to the transmission with the batteries and engine connected, but separately. In simpler terms, there are two different power sources connected in parallel to the transmission. The fuel tank provides gas to the internal combustion engine and the batteries supply power to the electric motor. The engine and motor operate the transmission concurrently, as the transmission rotates the hybrid's wheels. When the parallel hybrid is being operated below a designated speed, the gas engine switches on as the speed transcends its limit. Several parallel designs incorporate an electrical generator and motor into a single item, with this unit taking the place of the starter motor. In most situations, the internal engine is the main point of energy, with the motor only turning on when the car needs extra power.

The series hybrid never receives direct power from the gas engine. In this class, the engine is energized by an electrical generator. Power from this generator goes into the motor that propels the vehicle, and the extra energy is used to charge the batteries. If huge quantities of power are needed, both the battery pack and generator are used for electricity. Series hybrids are known for their efficient engines. These hybrids are perfect for those driving conditions that require several starts and stops, such as delivery. However, most series hybrids must have separate generator and motor sections; in the parallel class, these items can be combined.

There are also four subclasses of the hybrid car: the full hybrid, the mild hybrid, the assist hybrid, and the hydraulic hybrid. A full hybrid or "strong hybrid" can operate on just the engine, just the batteries, or a combination of the two. For battery only usage, a large-sized high volume battery-pack is typically required. A benefit of the full hybrid is that they can run solely on gasoline for daily driving. The mild hybrid is equipped with an oversized starter motor that allows the engine to be switched off whenever the car is braking or stopped, and then quickly restarted. Car accessories continue to operate on the electrical power even though the engine is turned off, and the motor is used to seize the energy. Assist hybrids use the engine as the main source of power. These hybrids also have an electric motor connected to a somewhat traditional power train. The assist hybrid's electric motor is in essence a large starter motor that functions when the engine is in operation, as well as when the gas pedal is utilized for extra power. And finally, the hydraulic hybrid automobile makes use of mechanical and hydraulic sources as opposed to those of the electrical variety. The batteries are replaced by a hydraulic accumulator, while a displacement pump takes the place of the motor and generator. The hydraulic class is used mostly in large vehicles such as buses and trucks.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com