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Hybrid Vehicles
Technology Overviews
Hybrid-electric
vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines
and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different
objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power,
or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and
power tools. Some of the advanced technologies typically
used by hybrids include:
Regenerative
Braking.
The electric motor applies resistance to the drive-train
causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from
the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator,
converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking
into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed
by the electric motor.
Electric
Motor Drive/Assist.
The electric
motor provides additional power to assist the engine in
accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller,
more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the
motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions
where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
Automatic
Start/Shutoff.
Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes
to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed.
This prevents wasted energy from idling.
Click
Here
to review type of Hybrids available today.
Benefits
of Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Watch a Video about Hybrid Vehicles
Low Emissions and High Efficiency.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) emissions vary depending
on the vehicle and its configuration. But in general,
HEVs have lower emissions than conventional vehicles
because an electric motor is used with an internal
combustion engine, which offsets how often the engine is
used and, therefore, reduces fuel use and emissions. In
addition, HEVs have the potential to operate in
"electric only" mode. In this mode, the vehicle can
operate with no emissions, which is optimal in congested
areas and in areas where emissions are not tolerated.
An HEV can easily control the engine's operating
point, which enables the vehicle to be more efficient
and pollute less. The engine can also be downsized
because the motor/battery can help power the vehicle and
the engine can be turned off during non-use times, such
as at stops or coasting. In addition, the engine can
have a smoother operation, which decreases power spikes
that can cause the engine to use more fuel and produce
more pollution. And finally, an HEV engine can power
electric components, which is more efficient than the
mechanical counterparts normally used. An example of
this would be using the electric motor instead of
hydraulic power for steering.
High
fuel Economy and Low Costs. HEVs can go
40-70 miles per gallon of gasoline. This allows drivers
to fuel less often and get more miles on a tank of fuel
than they would driving a conventional vehicle. In
addition to the cost savings associated with vehicle
operation, the HEVs are very cost competitive with
similar conventional vehicles. Any cost premium that may
be associated with HEVs of the future can be off-set by
overall fuel savings and tax incentives.
Today there are several tax incentives that make
purchasing an HEV cost effective. There are federal and
state incentives available. To learn more about the HEV
tax incentives, go to the
HEV Tax Incentives page or
research state hybrid tax incentives in your area.
Outstanding Performance. Auto
manufacturers are making HEVs with performance, safety,
and cost comparable to a conventional vehicle because
they know that these three elements are most important
to consumers. And by combining gasoline with electric
power, hybrids will have the same or greater range than
traditional combustion engines. The HEV is able to
operate approximately two times more efficiently than
conventional vehicles.
Energy Independence. Because HEVs
are so efficient and have high fuel economy, less fuel
is used than conventional vehicles. In addition, HEVs
have the potential of running on alternative fuels,
which can be renewable and/or produced in the United
States. Therefore, HEVs can reduce U.S. dependence on
fossil fuels and help decrease foreign oil imports,
thereby increasing energy security.
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