What is a hybrid vehicle? | OK Carz
How are hybrid vehicles better for the environment?
One of the biggest aspects that drivers are considering when they buy a car is how it will affect the environment. In recent years, there have been quite a few attempts to make a fully electric vehicle that could replace the need for traditional combustion engines, but right now there isn’t a perfect option for those who live in areas where “range anxiety” is a well-founded fear. However, many people who travel long distances yearn for a vehicle that will provide them with high fuel economy ratings, which is why many turn to hybrid vehicles.
The first well-recognized hybrid vehicle was the Toyota Prius, which has been available since 1997. When it was first available to the United States in 2000, many people were derisive of the hybrid technology, claiming that it was for hippies and tree huggers. Now, there are many manufacturers who are focusing their efforts on creating more hybrid models.
[Related: How Fuel Efficient is your vehicle?]
How do Hybrid cars work?
A hybrid uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor connected to a battery to operate the vehicle. The two engines work together while you’re driving to reduce the emissions. There are times when both are working, and other instances when only one, or none of them, are on. When you’re driving on a highway and maintaining the same speed, the combustion engine is being utilized, while the electric motor powers the vehicle when you’re driving slowly, like right after a stop. When your vehicle is completely stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor turn off, leaving the battery to power the vehicle’s systems.
One of the things that help make a hybrid model so efficient is the regenerative braking system, which uses the energy released while braking to recharge the battery. Normally, when braking, the energy that is being used is simply wasted. On a hybrid, it is used to power the vehicle while the brakes are being applied and then converted into a source that can be stored by the battery and used later.
If you’re truly concerned about your emissions, know that buying a used vehicle is better for both the environment and for your wallet. If you’re interested in how a used hybrid vehicle can help your carbon footprint, visit one of the five OkCarz locations.
