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Hybrid vehicle

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A hybrid vehicle uses two or more different types of power to move.

1998 Toyota Prius NHW10 Silver Strara Metallic (front)
1998 Toyota Prius NHW10 Silver Strara Metallic (front)

Some use fuel, while others use electricity stored in batteries. Some even use pressurized fluid, which are called hydraulic hybrids. These systems are designed to switch between power sources. This switching helps maximize fuel efficiency and energy efficiency. It also helps lower emissions and reduces running costs.

2019 Toyota Prius (ZVW50R) 1.8 Hybrid liftback (2018-12-19) 01
2019 Toyota Prius (ZVW50R) 1.8 Hybrid liftback (2018-12-19) 01

In many hybrid electric vehicles, the two power sources have different jobs. An electric motor is very good at producing torque. Torque is the turning power needed to get things moving. A combustion engine is better for maintaining high speeds.

Ford Escape E85 Flex Plug-in Hybrid views and badging WAS 2010
Ford Escape E85 Flex Plug-in Hybrid views and badging WAS 2010

In a parallel hybrid, the motor and the engine work together. In a series hybrid, one source might only charge a battery. This battery then provides the power to move the vehicle. This way of working keeps the engine running smoothly.

People have been building hybrid machines for a long time. Non-nuclear submarines are some of the oldest production hybrids. They use diesel engines when they are on the surface. They switch to batteries when they are submerged underwater.

Mettis BRT Metz
Mettis BRT Metz

In the late 19th century, people made prototype motorcycles using hybrid ideas. In 1975, Augustus Kinzel published a patent for a series hybrid bicycle. Later, in 1994, Bernie Macdonalds designed a bicycle with power electronics. These early inventors helped show how different energies can work together.

Many different types of transport use hybrid technology today.

HB-E300kei-2
HB-E300kei-2

In India, some trains use a CNG-diesel hybrid system. CNG is a fuel that is less polluting than petrol. In the United States, General Electric made a locomotive using sodium-nickel chloride batteries. This helped improve fuel economy by more than 10 percent. Some hybrid locomotives, like the Green Goat, save 40 to 60 percent in fuel. These machines are often built using parts from retired older locomotives.

Hybrid technology can be found in almost every way we travel.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid -- 04-26-2011
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid -- 04-26-2011

Even large ships use hybrid schemes, such as towing kites to catch wind. Some planes use a fuel cell and a battery to fly. The fuel cell provides power for the long cruise part of the flight. The battery helps during the hard job of takeoff and climbing.

Hybrid-bus
Hybrid-bus

From small electric bicycles to huge cargo ships, hybrids change how we move through the world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:1998 Toyota Prius NHW10 Silver Strara Metallic (front).jpg
1998 Toyota Prius NHW10 Silver Strara...
File:Mettis BRT Metz.jpg
Mettis BRT Metz.jpg
File:HB-E300kei-2.JPG
HB-E300kei-2.JPG
File:Cadillac Escalade Hybrid -- 04-26-2011.jpg
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid -- 04-26-2011.jpg
File:Hybrid-bus.jpg
Hybrid-bus.jpg
File:Arriva North West and Wales 655.jpg
Arriva North West and Wales 655.jpg
File:Ford Escape E85 Flex Plug-in Hybrid views and badging WAS 2010.jpg
Ford Escape E85 Flex Plug-in Hybrid views...
File:2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring - L -- 04-22-2011.jpg
2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring - L...
File:Catvertroquette.jpg
Catvertroquette.jpg
File:2010 Honda Insight LX -- 10-03-2009.jpg
2010 Honda Insight LX -- 10-03-2009.jpg
File:2019 Toyota Prius (ZVW50R) 1.8 Hybrid liftback (2018-12-19) 01.jpg
2019 Toyota Prius (ZVW50R) 1.8 Hybrid...
File:2nd Ford Escape Hybrid -- 04-29-2011 1.jpg
2nd Ford Escape Hybrid -- 04-29-2011 1.jpg

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