What Do Hybrid Cars Run On: Exploring the Full Energy Source

Introduction

Hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their efficiency and ability to reduce environmental impact. These vehicles can run on a combination of different energy sources, both internal and external. The specific energy sources vary depending on the type of hybrid car. This article will delve into the details of what hybrid cars use to power themselves and how this energy is managed effectively.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

Among the various types of hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are a unique category. PHEVs can do much more than conventional hybrids as they can operate on both internal combustion engine (ICE) power and an electric drive system. The energy for these vehicles comes from two primary sources:

The fuel used by the internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel). The electrical power stored in the vehicle's battery, which is charged when the vehicle is plugged in.

The driving range for PHEVs is usually divided into two parts:

Electric Mode: The vehicle operates purely on electric power for the first 10-40 miles, depending on the model. This is achieved by using the charge stored in the battery, which is either recharged from the grid or powered by the ICE. Mixed Mode: After the initial electric range, the vehicle switches to a combination of electric and ICE power, or purely on ICE, depending on the remaining power and driving conditions.

One of the key features of PHEVs is their regenerative braking system, which converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery when braking. This system not only recovers energy but also enhances the overall driving experience by providing additional power during acceleration.

Full Hybrids and Mild Hybrids

Full hybrids and mild hybrids operate in a bit more straightforward manner compared to PHEVs. Both types rely solely on the internal combustion engine for energy. However, they both utilize regenerative braking to recover some of the energy lost during braking and store it in the battery.

The term “self-charging” for hybrid vehicles is often misleading, and many countries have banned its use. The energy source in full hybrids and mild hybrids is always the fuel that runs the internal combustion engine. Some models even allow the ICE to charge the battery when the vehicle is in operation.

While the primary energy source for these vehicles is the fuel they consume, they can still utilize the recovered energy from regenerative braking. This recovered energy is then stored in the battery and used to power the car during short-term operations, such as running the radio, lights, and fans.

Energy Storage and Management

Hybrid vehicles incorporate a dual-battery system, consisting of a high-voltage (72/96-volt) battery and a low-voltage (12-volt) starting battery. The high-voltage battery powers the electric motors and stores the regeneratively recovered energy. The low-voltage battery, often referred to as the starting battery, provides power for the radio, lights, and starting the internal combustion engine.

During a round trip, the energy sources used can be summarized as follows:

Electrochemical Energy: From the 12-volt starting battery, this energy is used for short-term operations like lighting and operating the radio. Potential Energy: When the vehicle is at the top of a hill, potential energy can be converted into electrical energy using regenerative braking. Kinetic Energy: As the vehicle maintains its speed or when braking, some of its kinetic energy is used to partially recharge the high-voltage hybrid battery. Thermal Energy: Waste heat from the ICE can be used to heat the cabin in cold weather, which is more efficient than providing heat solely through electricity.

Despite these recovery mechanisms, the ultimate source of energy is the gasoline burned by the internal combustion engine. This chemical energy is the backbone of the vehicle's operation, whether it is directly used to power the ICE or indirectly used to recharge the hybrid battery.

Conclusion

Hybrid cars operate on a complex interplay of energy sources, combining both internal and external power. Whether a vehicle is a PHEV, full hybrid, or mild hybrid, understanding the different energy sources and how they are managed can provide a clearer picture of how these vehicles function. As technology continues to advance, the energy efficiency and environmental impact of hybrid vehicles will only improve, making them a more appealing choice for drivers around the world.