More than 50 years in Service

9809 Indianapolis Blvd
Highland, IN 46322

How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

While hybrid and electric cars used to be niche, expensive vehicles, today theyā€™re more affordable and available than ever! Here at Webb Ford, we offer a robust inventory of hybrid and electric vehicles, including fully-electric pickup trucks and SUVs that combine powerhouse performance with advanced technology and fuel efficiency. If youā€™re wondering how hybrid cars work, Webb Ford has everything you need to know. Our team has put together a guide outlining the details of hybrids and plug-in EVs so you can be as informed as possible as you shop for a new vehicle in the Munster area!

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

So, what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? Letā€™s start by talking about the two most common kinds of hybrid vehicles: parallel and series hybrids. Despite their differences, they both work from a hybridā€™s two main power sources: the traditional internal combustion engine, and a supporting electric battery. These power sources are designed to work together in order to use as little fuel as possible while still providing a smooth, efficient ride. Hereā€™s an overview of parallel and series hybrids:
  • Parallel Hybrid: This is the most common type of hybrid that you can find on the market today. Parallel hybrids have the electric motor and the traditional gas-powered engine both connected to the transmission.
  • Series Hybrid: The less common series hybrid also pairs gasoline with electric power, but the electric motor is the only thing connected to the transmission. This makes the electric motor the main source of power for the vehicle, with the gas-powered engine acting as a generator.

How Hybrid Cars Compare to Plug-In EVs

In addition to hybrids, you may have heard of the term plug-in electric vehicle. They both utilize electric power, but they fall into different categories because plug-in EVs donā€™t have any sort of gasoline power supporting the electric motor. Thereā€™s a third type of category called a plug-in hybrid, which combines the benefits of hybrids and plug-in EVs to make for an even more exceptional ride on the Schererville roads:
  • Plug-in hybrids have larger battery packs that enable them to go longer distances solely on electric power.
  • If youā€™re only driving a short distance, you can usually do so by relying 100% on the electric motor, recharging at night, and never engaging the gasoline engine.
  • You can still take advantage of gas stations on longer trips that will exceed the electric range.
  • Plug-in hybrids take less time to fully charge because they donā€™t rely solely on the electric motor.

Discover Hybrid Vehicles with Webb Ford

If you want to learn more about how hybrid cars work, or if you have any questions about what weā€™ve discussed above, feel free to contact our office anytime! You can also stop by our dealership to take an available model out for a test drive around Griffith, if you want to see how our hybrids handle on the road. And donā€™t forget to check out our finance center if youā€™re looking to bring a hybrid home for yourself!

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