Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are an attractive solution for people that do not want to switch to all electric cars but want to decrease fuel consumption and emissions. It is essential to know the classification types of hybrid electric vehicles to determine which model will be suitable for use. This guide aims at identifying the main types of hybrids and how they operate, the advantages of each type.
What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle?
These include hybrid electric vehicles which utilise both internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This combination makes it easier to have better fuel economy, less pollution, and greater control of the vehicle. Of the types of hybrid electric vehicles , each type has a different way of integrating the fuel and electric power within the car.
KINDS OF HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Here are the main types of hybrid electric vehicles available today:
- Mild Hybrids (MHEV)
Mild hybrids have an additional electric motor to assist the Internal Combustion Engine but cannot be operated using the electric power alone. With the help of an electric motor it helps in starting, acceleration and in idle condition thus saving fuel. Mild hybrids are relatively affordable, as they save fuel while not having the fully electric mode, which is perfect for the city.
- Full Hybrids (FHEV)
Full hybrids may be powered by an internal combustion engine, electric motor or both at the same time. These vehicles move between the two power sources to achieve maximum mileage, but mainly use the electric power at slow speeds. Compared to mild hybrids, full hybrids have improved fuel economy and are preferred among the types of hybrid electric vehicles for city and town driving.
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrids possess a greater capability battery which should be charged with an external source such as a home charger. The kinetic electric vehicle, also known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles allow the car to travel longer distances on electric power before the internal combustion engine kicks in, and therefore, are suitable for drivers who want to cut down fuel consumption to a large extent. Of the various classification types of hybrid electric vehicles , plug-in hybrids provide the maximum electric driving capacity and are therefore suitable for incentives and tax credits.
- Series Hybrids
In series hybrids it is only the electric motor that is used to drive the wheels while the internal combustion engine is used to recharge the battery by generating electric energy. This setting gives the vehicle a silent and nearly frictionless operation that resembles fully electric automobiles. Series hybrids are particularly efficient in city driving because they get good fuel economy when driving in traffic.
- Parallel Hybrids
In parallel hybrids, one can have both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor lay down the wheels. The efficiency of this type of hybrid is much higher at high speed since both engines contribute to producing the power needed. Parallel hybrids are especially chosen by those drivers who require good fuel economy on the highways, thus, making them rather universal among all types of hybrid electric vehicles.
Selecting the Right Hybrid Electric Vehicle
When choosing from the various types of hybrid electric vehicles, consider your driving habits, daily mileage, and preferences:
- Commute Distance: For short distances, full or plug-in hybrids are perfect to save fuel and if you want to, drive only electrically in parts of your trip.
- Highway vs. City Driving: Mild and parallel hybrids are ideal for highway use while the series hybrids are ideal for use in city use.
- Charging Access: PHEVs are best utilized if the driver has easy access to charging infrastructure, in this way, the electric range is utilized to its fullest.
Hybrid electric vehicles: advantages
Hybrid electric vehicles offer multiple benefits, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers:
- Reduced Emissions: Hybrids consume less fuel thus emitting less carbon and are therefore environmentally friendly.
- Fuel Savings: Electric and fuel power are used in the vehicle, which makes it efficient in terms of fuel consumption in the long run.
- Enhanced Driving Experience: Some hybrids have a smooth acceleration, very little noise during their operation and an almost unnoticeable switchover from electric to gasoline mode.
Hybrid electric vehicle: A literature review and future outlook
As the technology evolves more types of hybrid electric vehicles are being produced with better battery power and fuel consumption rates. Features such as regenerative braking, better batteries, and electric-only modes in hybrids are only making these automobiles even more attractive. Thus, hybrid options are still thought to remain a focus of development to provide drivers with more environmentally friendly options.
Nowadays there are different types of hybrid electric vehicles and therefore the choice of the right hybrid depends on factors such as the type of use and environmental concerns. While mild hybrids are easy to use because they have only a small battery, plug-in hybrids are very versatile because they have a large battery. If you are interested in eco-friendly electric vehicles, Zero21 offers models that are as powerful and efficient as any other model to make green driving possible.