What is the Principle of Hybrid Sedans?
3 Answers
Automobile hybrid principle: 1. Hybrid power: The discrete structure of the engine and motor evolves into an integrated structure combining the engine, motor, and transmission, known as the integrated hybrid powertrain system. Hybrid powertrains can be classified by power transmission routes into three types: series, parallel, and series-parallel. 2. Series power: Series power consists of three powertrain components: the engine, generator, and motor, forming an SHEV power unit system in a series configuration. The engine drives the generator to produce electricity, which is then delivered to the battery or motor via a controller. The motor drives the car through a transmission mechanism. Under light loads, the battery drives the motor to power the wheels, while under heavy loads, the engine takes over. 3. Motor-generator drives the motor: When the vehicle is in start-up, acceleration, or climbing conditions, the engine, motor-generator set, and battery pack jointly supply power to the motor; when the electric vehicle is in low-speed, coasting, or idle conditions, the battery pack drives the motor. When the battery pack is low on power, the engine-generator set charges the battery pack. The series structure is suitable for frequent starts and low-speed conditions in urban areas.
Hybrid sedans are like cars with two hearts, equipped with both a traditional engine and an electric motor, working in harmony. Having driven several hybrid models, I've noticed they primarily rely on electric power during startup or low-speed driving, running as quietly as pure electric vehicles. When speed increases or strong acceleration is needed, the gasoline engine kicks in, significantly saving fuel. The smartest feature is the energy recovery system, which converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and even charges the battery slightly when going downhill. The powertrain acts like a seasoned conductor, automatically balancing the use of gasoline and electricity to keep the car running in the most economical state. Toyota's THS system is a master of this balance using planetary gears, while Honda's i-MMD prefers to let the electric motor take the lead—both approaches have their unique advantages.
To be honest, the charm of hybrid vehicles lies in enjoying the smoothness and quietness of electric cars while retaining the convenience of fuel-powered ones. I just drove a friend's hybrid on a long trip this weekend and was genuinely impressed by how 'economically savvy' it is. In urban traffic jams, it relies entirely on electric drive, with the engine completely shut off for a rest. During highway cruising, the engine kicks in to operate efficiently while simultaneously charging the battery. On long downhill stretches, the dashboard shows the energy recovery bar climbing steadily. The most surprising part was during a rest stop at a service area—the air conditioning could still run on battery power without the engine needing to start. This intelligent switching between fuel and electric modes not only saves 30% on daily fuel costs but also delivers a powerful boost when accelerating, making overtaking a breeze.
