The Beginner's Guide to hybrid electric vehicle (2)
In the previous article, we explained that what hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is . This article will deepen what-is.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can be classified according to the way in which power is supplied to the drivetrain. Generally, there are 3 types of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
1. parallel hybrids. For this type, the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor are both connected to the mechanical transmission and can simultaneously transmit power to drive the wheels. Usually the parallel hybrids can use a smaller battery pack. Parallel hybrids are more efficient for highway driving than in urban stop-and-go conditions. Honda's Insight, Civic, and Accord hybrids are parallel hybrids.
2. series hybrids. Here regarding series hybrids, only the electric motor drives the drivetrain, and the internal combustion engine (ICE) works as a generator to power the electric motor or to recharge the batteries. Series hybrids usually have a larger battery pack as compared to parallel hybrids. This makes them more expensive than parallel hybrids.
3. series-parallel hybrids. This type has the flexibility to operate in either series or parallel mode. Series-parallel hybrids are more efficient overall, because they can operate as a series hybrid at lower speeds, and as parallel at high speeds.
Ford, General Motors, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota have technologies of series-parallel hybrids. (To be continued)
