How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

If you live in Thibodaux, you probably see hybrid or electric cars on the road pretty frequently. Hybrids used to be niche and expensive, but today they’re more affordable and available than ever as technology continues to progress. These days, you can find a hybrid from just about every popular automaker, whether you’re looking for a sedan, coupe, SUV, or even a pickup truck! But what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? If you’ve ever wondered how hybrid technology works and how it differs from the traditional gas-powered system, Southland Dodge is here to help! Check out our guide to how hybrid cars work below, and be sure to keep an eye on our inventory to see what hybrid and EV models we have available!

How Hybrid Cars Work: Parallel vs. Series

There are two primary types of hybrid powertrains: parallel and series hybrids. While both systems utilize an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the mechanics are a bit different. No matter what, hybrids dramatically cut down on fuel use thanks to the electric motor, leading to long-term savings, improved fuel economy, and environmental friendliness on the Paradis roads! Here are the details:

Parallel Hybrid

The parallel hybrid powertrain is the most common type you’ll see on the road today. In a parallel hybrid, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together to simultaneously provide power to the transmission and move the vehicle forward.

Series Hybrid

A series hybrid works a bit differently from a parallel hybrid powertrain. In a series hybrid, the gasoline engine provides power to the electric motor, which in turn provides power to the transmission, rather than both systems working simultaneously.

Traditional Hybrids vs. Plug-In Hybrids

Although parallel and series hybrid vehicles are considered the “traditional” type of hybrid, there’s a third powertrain we haven’t discussed yet, called a plug-in hybrid. These unique hybrids bridge the gap between traditional hybrids and fully-electric vehicles by making use of larger and more powerful batteries. Here’s how a plug-in hybrid works:

• Thanks to the larger battery, plug-in hybrids can go a lot farther solely using electric power. This means that if you’re only driving short distances around the city, you might be able to do so without using any fuel!
• You don’t have to worry about being stranded if your battery runs out of charge on the road, since you always have gasoline power as a backup.
• As the name suggests, you have to plug in these vehicles to an EV charger to recharge the battery. However, the battery is smaller than on fully-electric vehicles, so it generally only takes 1 to 4 hours to charge.

Find Your Next Hybrid Ride at Southland Dodge!

Now that we’ve discussed how hybrid cars work on paper, you might be interested in seeing how they handle on the road for yourself! Contact our office or stop by our dealership to set up a test drive around Hahnville and we’ll get you behind the wheel in no time. You can also contact us with any questions, or to learn more about our lineup of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. Be sure to keep an eye on our new vehicle specials if you’re looking to save on your next ride!