How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Hybrid car technology is the talk of the town in Irvine. These vehicles will save you money on gas, lower your carbon emissions, and possibly give you greater total system output compared to a pure gasoline vehicle. How do Honda hybrid cars work? They use an electric battery in addition to gasoline to give you the best of both worlds, combining gasoline flexibility with electric efficiency.

After you learn how hybrid cars work, Weir Canyon Honda wants you to see the many Honda hybrids available for purchase, such as the Accord Hybrid. Our dealership is ready to impress you. You can start your journey from home by exploring our new vehicle specials!

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

Whatever type of vehicle you like to drive, hybrids are a great choice for improving fuel economy. Just what is a hybrid car, and how does it work under the hood? A hybrid vehicle actually has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine, and an electric battery. In hybrid systems, the two work in concert to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Most hybrids on the market today are parallel hybrids. In these vehicles, both the electric motor and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT system. They work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

We went over how hybrid cars work above, but keep in mind that hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are two distinct categories. So, how do hybrids and EVs differ? While hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery, EVs use electric power only. However, newer vehicles are beginning to blur the lines between the two. Some brands now offer plug-in hybrids, which combine the benefits of both:

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone. 
• For short distances around Yorba Linda, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like you’d drive an EV — relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
• If you’ll be heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
• Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take between 1 and 4 hours to fully charge.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work? Learn More With Weir Canyon Honda

Our Anaheim dealership isn’t too far from Tustin, meaning you don’t have to go all over for a great deal. Our sales specials are courteous, our selection is vast, and our automotive technology is there to make things more convenient. Apply for financing for a quick pre-approval or simply contact us to begin at home.