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We all wonder how hybrid technology ‘actually’ works. But it’s easier to get into a hybrid vehicle than you think! With that in mind, let’s dive a little deeper into what makes this technology so interesting:
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the two sources work seamlessly together to power the vehicle.
You may be surprised to learn that just like “conventional” gasoline cars, hybrid vehicles also use an internal combustion engine that can be fueled up at your local gas station. The combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle works exactly as it would in a gas vehicle. Fuel is injected through the combustion chamber into the engine, where it is combined with air. Finally, the air/fuel mixture is ignited by the spark plug, creating power for the vehicle.
The main difference between gas and hybrid vehicles is that in addition to an internal combustion engine, these vehicles also have an electric motor and a battery as a power source. Hybrid technology optimizes the vehicle’s systems to use a combination of electric and gas power while you’re driving. So, depending on the mode you select, you can achieve greater fuel economy, resulting in lower fuel consumption and overall savings on gas!
Toyota has different types of hybrid vehicles, the common ones being the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid vehicle is that PHEV’s substitute grid electricity for gasoline, PHEVs, like the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid cut down on fuel consumption and are that much better for the environment. However, there are many different fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles across different segments of Toyota’s line-up that don’t need to be plugged in.
You may be surprised to hear that it’s not necessary to plug-in a hybrid vehicle in order to charge its battery. HEVs combine a gas engine with electric motors, automatically choosing the optimal source and blend of power. Because the hybrid battery recharges on the go through regenerative braking, you never need to plug‑in. The latest Toyota Crown Signia as one example uses regenerative braking to charge its battery on the go.
Meanwhile, PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid have the option of being recharged by plugging in to a 120-volt household outlet. Similar to standard hybrids (HEVs), PHEVs also have hybrid vehicle mode which blends power from the gasoline engine and hybrid battery.
Give it a brake…literally! We already mentioned that hybrid car batteries charge through regenerative braking. Regenerative braking systems (RBSs) are a type of kinetic energy recovery system that transfers the kinetic energy of an object in motion into potential or stored energy to slow the vehicle down, and as a result, increases fuel efficiency.
Regenerative braking works best when hybrid vehicles are in stop-and-go traffic – think rush hour on the highway or a slow moving school zone while dropping the kids off in a Toyota Highlander Hybrid or the Sienna Hybrid.
The regenerative braking system converts braking energy into electric energy to help recharge the battery onboard the vehicle. Being able to rely on the electric motor means that you’re not using as much fuel – reducing emissions and increasing savings on gas.
So let’s recap, shall we?
Hybrid vehicles combine the benefits of gas engines and electric motors to offer improved fuel efficiency. Using methods such as regenerative braking, hybrid batteries recharge themselves and do not need to be plugged in.
Rest assured, there will also be no change in driving or fueling behavior (unless you’re looking for an extended electric-only driving range – where the Toyota’s RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid SUV or the Prius Plug-in Hybrid might be perfect for you)!
Hopefully, we’ve helped debunk the mysteries of hybrid technology. If you’re interested in learning more about which Toyota hybrid vehicle is right for you, come explore more about Toyota’s hybrid models.
