How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

In recent years, hybrid vehicle technology has taken a major leap, making these models more affordable and realistic choices for Washington Township-area drivers. At Pellegrino Buick GMC, we’ve been helping Williamstown buyers switch from gas-powered vehicles to hybrids for some time. If you’re new to these models, you might ask, “How do hybrid cars work?” In the following guide, our staff will explore how these vehicles operate and perform. Learn how hybrid cars work and explore our new vehicle specials to save on your preferred model!

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

No matter which model you choose, hybrids are ideal for improving your fuel economy. But how do hybrid cars work? A hybrid vehicle has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric battery. In hybrid systems, the two work in concert to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Most hybrids on the market today are parallel hybrids. In these vehicles, an electric motor and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it has an automatic, manual, or CVT system. They work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor alongside a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Compare to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

We’ve explored how hybrid cars work above, but remember that hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are two distinct categories. So, how do hybrids and EVs differ? While hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery, EVs use electric power only. However, newer vehicles are beginning to blur the lines between the two. Some brands now offer plug-in hybrids, which combine the benefits of both:

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone.
• For short distances around Egg Harbor Township, you can use a plug-in hybrid like an EV—relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
• If you’re heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
• Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take around one and four hours to charge fully.

Experience Hybrid Power with Pellegrino Buick GMC!

Now that you’ve learned how hybrid cars work, it’s time to explore one of these new vehicles near Vineland. With so many hybrids being released, you can easily find the perfect option that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Call (856) 237-1227 or schedule a test drive online with our team. You can also reduce what you’ll owe by trading your current model at our dealership. Test-drive the newest hybrid vehicles in Williamstown with Pellegrino Buick GMC!