How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

There are more hybrid cars and electric vehicles than ever before on the Palmdale roads. That’s because advancements in hybrid powertrain technology have made hybrid cars a more affordable option for the average driver. Interested in one for yourself? Find out how hybrid cars work before picking out your favorite hybrid model from the new Toyota inventory at Frontier Toyota.

What Is a Hybrid Car, and How Does It Work?

Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are excellent choices to improve your fuel economy returns on the Lancaster streets. So, what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? Simply put, hybrid vehicles produce power from two sources: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric battery. These two work together to minimize fuel consumption. Below are some specifics on how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations: parallel hybrid and series hybrid.

How Parallel Hybrid Cars Work
The majority of hybrid cars available today are deemed parallel hybrids, in which the electric motor and gas engine are both connected to the transmission. This setup allows power from both sources to blend together.

Series Hybrid
Series hybrids similarly use an electric motor paired with a gas engine. However, only the electric motor is connected to the transmission. So, power solely comes from the electric motor, and the gas engine serves as a generator for the motor.

How Hybrid Cars Work vs. Electric Vehicles

In addition to hybrid cars like the Toyota hybrid sedans and SUVs available, there are also all-electric models, which operate differently than how hybrid cars work. Whereas hybrid models channel power from both the gas engine and electric motor, EVs rely on electricity only. However, a new category of hybrid vehicles, the plug-in hybrid, combines the benefits of both. Models like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Toyota Prius Prime offer the ability to drive on electric power alone, thanks to the increased capacity in their battery packs. If you will be driving longer distances in the San Fernando Valley area, then you have the benefit of gasoline to keep your car moving. It doesn’t take long to recharge the battery, simply plug in your car overnight, and you’ll be good to go in the morning!

Select a Toyota Hybrid at Frontier Toyota

Ready to browse the hybrid selection at Frontier Toyota? With so many options, you’re sure to find a model that meets your needs and helps you save on fuel at the same time. Get in touch with our team to get started!