What is the principle of hybrid power?
2 Answers
Hybrid power works by using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to provide energy for the vehicle, thereby driving the car. This results in improvements in fuel economy, comfort, and acceleration. In hybrid vehicles, the electric motor serves as an auxiliary power source to assist the engine, delivering strong and smooth power during normal driving. Hybrid vehicles offer superior fuel efficiency and excellent driving performance. While the engine still consumes fuel, the assistance from the electric motor during startup and acceleration helps reduce fuel consumption, leading to lower fuel costs compared to similarly sized conventional vehicles.
I've been driving a hybrid car for several years, and the principle is actually not complicated. It combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor, complementing each other's strengths. At startup or low speeds, it runs purely on electric power with the engine off, making it quiet and fuel-efficient; at high-speed cruising, it switches to engine dominance. The best part is that it can recover kinetic energy to charge the battery during braking and coasting, which is called the energy regeneration system. The controller intelligently manages the switching to ensure efficiency. In city traffic, the engine often rests while only the electric motor is used, reducing emissions. The battery is a small lithium-ion battery that doesn't require additional charging and lasts for years without issues. Overall fuel consumption is about 30% lower than that of a pure gasoline car, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run. The downside is the higher initial price, but it's a worthwhile investment.
