Hybrid cars are the latest thing in the automotive world. These cars are already garnering enough popularity already and seem to be the preferred choice of environment enthusiasts.
But, what really are hybrid cars? And, do they really help save the environment as stated? Let us find out.
Put in simple words, hybrid cars are vehicles that use alternative fuel, primarily electricity. These cars can run on both electricity as well as fuel. So, whenever you want, you can switch the source of energy as per your convenience. Typically, a hybrid car comprises of a fuel tank, generator, an electric motor and a battery.
While all hybrid cars work on more or less the same lines, the mechanism may vary slightly. Hybrid cars can be broadly categorized into parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. This distinction is based on the way the car utilizes the energy sources.
In a parallel hybrid, both the fuel and the battery are used simultaneously to power the car. While the battery powers the electric motor, the fuel powers the motor. The combined energy of the battery and the motor is used to run the wheels. On the other hand, in a series hybrid, the fuel engine powers the generator, which in turn runs the motor.
A hybrid car proves to be environment friendly for more than just one reason. Firstly, it makes use of alternative sources of energy. Since these vehicles rely more on electricity and lesser on petrol or diesel, it reduces the carbon emission thus making them environment friendly.
Also, the additional electric power of these vehicles gives manufacturers the liberty to reduce the engine size. Since the size of the engine is reduced, the car becomes lighter. As a result, the car requires lesser power and energy to run on. This not just makes the vehicle fuel efficient but environment friendly too.
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