Posted: 10/14/2022
A hybrid vehicle is a great choice for eco-conscious drivers who want to save money on gas. But what exactly makes up a hybrid? And how do all the different parts work together? In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 main HEV components and functions and explain how they all work together to power your car. We will also provide some additional tips for getting the most out of your hybrid vehicle, hopefully helping you avoid buying hybrid auto parts any sooner than you have to.
A hybrid vehicle is a type of car that uses two or more different power sources to move the vehicle. The most common type of hybrid vehicle is a gas-electric hybrid, which uses both gasoline and electricity to power the car, also known as an HEV, or hybrid-electric vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to save money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact. While hybrid cars have a lot of the same or similar parts as a standard vehicle, like alternators, radiators and air conditioners, there are several key differences you should know about.
The hybrid car has five main components: the gas engine, the electric motor, the battery, the power control unit, and the regenerative braking system. Let's take a closer look at each one of these hybrid auto parts, and explain the function of each hybrid car system.
The Gas Engine: The gas engine is responsible for providing power to the wheels when needed. It typically runs on gasoline or diesel, but some hybrid cars also use alternative fuels such as natural gas or propane. As is the case in regular, gas-powered vehicles, this is a critical component for delivering power to the wheels.
The Electric Motor: The electric motor powers the car at lower speeds and during start-up. It is usually powered by a battery, but some hybrid cars also have an onboard generator that can recharge the battery while you are driving.
The Battery: The battery powers the electric motor and is typically located under the hood of the car. It is important to keep the battery charged to maintain optimal performance.
The Power Control Unit: The power control unit manages the flow of power between the gas engine, the electric motor, and the battery. It ensures that the right amount of power is being used at the right time, and that this power is coming from the right source.
The Regenerative Braking System: The regenerative braking system captures energy from the brakes and uses it to recharge the battery. This helps to improve fuel efficiency and extends the life of the battery.
Now that you know the basics of how a hybrid car works, here are some tips for keeping it running smoothly:
Change the oil and filter regularly. This will help to keep both the gas and electric engines clean and running efficiently.
Check the tires frequently. Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent.
Keep the battery charged. A fully-charged battery will last longer and perform better than one that is allowed to continually drain.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have auto parts stores all over the Midwest. Order auto parts online and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply parts store.
