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Understanding Series Hybrids

The term hybrid refers to a car that runs on both an internal combustion engine and electric motor. That being said, there are different approaches to the hybrid model. In this article, we take a look at the process known as the series hybrid.

The classic approach to hybrid cars is something known as the parallel hybrid power design. In this approach, an electric motor and internal combustion engine both take turns powering the car. The internal combustion engine also powers up the batteries for the electric motor when the engine is running. While popular, this is not the most efficient approach to energy usage. This is where the series hybrid comes in.

The series hybrid is similar to a parallel hybrid in that the car has both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. This is where the differences start. The series hybrid has an engine, but it is not connected to the drive train of the car. Put another way, the engine does not turn the wheels of the car when the gas pedal is pressed by the driver. Instead, it has another purpose.

The series hybrid is propelled only by an electric motor. So, what does the engine do? Well, it has the singular purpose of turning a generator that produces electricity. This electricity is then stored in the batteries for the electric motor to use as needed. This gives the series hybrid a unique advantage when it comes to gas mileage.

As you probably know, a car will get better gas mileage if it is put on cruise control versus you manually working the pedal. This is because the engine is revving more consistently than occurs with your foot moving up and down on the pedal. The same idea translates to the series hybrid. Since the engine doesn’t drive the car, it can be set to run at the most efficient rate possible. If the car will run be the most efficient at 3,500 rpm, then the engine can be set at that and it never changes.

So, what’s the downside? You don’t see more classic series hybrids because of power issues. The vehicles have poor performance when speeding up. Trying to move off the line when a light turns green can be painfully slow. This becomes a bigger problem as the vehicle gets bigger. Toyota’s like the Highland Hybrid often come with a dual system or lower torque gear assists to overcome the problem.

Series hybrids are unlikely to become a dominant player in the hybrid market. However, they concept is being tied into new mixed hybrid designs and the name is often incorporated into the technology with titles such as “series parallel hybrid” and so on. Regardless, it is vital to know the difference from parallel hybrids.

About the Author

Thomas Ajava writes for HybridCarDealerDepot.com - where you learn more about gasoline issues and price fluctuations.

Custom Auto Repair Restoration and Repair of Vintage, Classic and Muscle Cars Pompano Beach Florida