What is the Working Principle of a Range-Extended Hybrid?
2 Answers
Range-extended hybrid works as follows: 1. The car is driven by an electric motor, also known as a series plug-in hybrid system. The internal combustion engine's role is to drive the generator to produce electricity, which powers the battery, motor, and other equipment in the car. 2. A range-extended electric vehicle is developed on the basis of a pure electric vehicle, with an additional range extender installed. 3. The purpose of installing a range extender is to increase the driving range of the pure electric vehicle and avoid frequent charging. 4. The engine speed of a range-extended hybrid does not need to match road conditions, ensuring that the engine can always operate within the most thermally efficient range, thus maintaining high fuel economy. However, compared to ordinary plug-in hybrid vehicles, range-extended hybrids consume more energy at high speeds, resulting in slightly poorer fuel economy performance.
The extended-range hybrid electric vehicle is really convenient to drive, and I often use it for commuting in the city. Its core principle is to use an electric motor to directly drive the wheels, just like a pure electric vehicle, providing a smooth and quiet ride. For short trips in the city, it relies entirely on battery power, resulting in zero fuel consumption and cost savings. However, for long-distance trips or when the battery is low, a small gasoline engine automatically starts up, but it doesn’t directly propel the vehicle—instead, it acts as a generator to recharge the battery. This ensures a range of over 500 kilometers with ease, unlike pure electric vehicles where you constantly worry about running out of power and getting stranded. Another advantage is that the engine only operates at efficient RPMs, avoiding unnecessary emissions and waste. Daily maintenance is similar to that of a conventional car, requiring only routine oil changes and battery checks. The overall design makes it reliable and economical under various road conditions.