What is Hybrid Car? Meaning & Definition
Looking for the definition of a “hybrid car”? In the case of this common two-word phrase, the technical definition and common meaning differ slightly. For instance, definitionally speaking, a “hybrid car” is simply a vehicle that utilizes more than one power source to provide the energy needed to drive around Clio and Flushing. A hybrid vehicle could, by that logic, run on anything from ethanol to hydrogen.
Most modern hybrid cars, or hybrids as they’re more commonly called in Ortonville and Flint, utilize a tried-and-true combination of energy sources: gasoline and electricity. For that reason, in common parlance, the meaning of the term “hybrid car” is a gas-electric hybrid. If that’s not enough for you, then boy do we have more! Read on to learn practically everything there is to know about hybrids. And remember, Randy Wise Automotive Team is here to help answer all your car-related questions.
Common Types of Gas-Electric Hybrid Cars
Not only are hybrid cars categorized by fuel type but gasoline-electric hybrids themselves are further broken down into several categories, namely:
- Parallel hybrids
- Series hybrids
- Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) — AKA “plug-in hybrids”
Let’s take a look at each different type of hybrid powertrain now.
Parallel Hybrid
Parallel hybrids are the most common type of hybrid you’ll find driving around the roads of Flint and Durand. They utilize the gasoline engine and electric motor at the same time, as both are connected to the vehicle’s transmission.
Series Hybrid
Series hybrids have electric motors paired with a gasoline engine like parallel hybrid cars. But with series hybrids, only the electric motor is directly paired with the transmission. The gas engine, on the other hand, serves as a generator for the electric motor. As you can imagine, this makes series hybrids generally more efficient than parallel hybrids.
Plug-In Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, PHEVs, or in more common terminology, “plug-in hybrids” all refer to the same type of vehicle — one that uses an electric motor and gasoline engine, both of which are connected to the transmission like parallel hybrids. Plug-in hybrids are special, though. They have huge battery packs — though not as big as EVs — and thus, PHEVs offer the ability to drive for miles at a time with only electric power before the gas engine kicks in and drives the vehicle more or less like a standard gasoline vehicle. Some plug-in hybrids, however, like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe are category-bending, in that they can operate like a parallel hybrid or a traditional PHEV.
Your Next Hybrid Awaits at a Randy Wise Automotive Team Location Near You
Now that you have a better understanding of the definition vs. meaning of the phrase “hybrid car” are you interested in finding the perfect new hybrid for your Grand Blanc and Fenton driving needs? We can help, here at Randy Wise Automotive Team! With locations all across Michigan, we’ve got plenty of amazing hybrids for sale, including new and used hybrid vehicles. Explore them today!