About Hybrid Cars

Fuel Economy in Hybrid Vehicles

Compared to gas-powered automobiles, hybrid vehicles use less fuel thanks to innovative technology. Certain factors, including as weight reduction, friction reduction, aerodynamic enhancement, and fuel-saving devices, have to be taken care of in order to realize the fuel economy aspect in hybrid vehicles. For instance, auto-stop-start technology is crucial in hybrid vehicles. The mechanism turns off the hybrid vehicle’s engine when it is idling. Only when the accelerator is depressed, the brake is released, or the clutch is released does the engine operate robotically (O’Dell, 2013). The adoption of the auto-stop-start technology in traditional vehicles can help reduce the amount of fuel and lessen the greenhouse effect by 6%. This offers a remarkable fuel reduction in city environments characterized by a lot of stop-and-go-driving.

Improved Braking System

Conventional vehicles have an engine vacuum that helps the hydraulic braking system to work. However, this is not evident in hybrid vehicles; instead, the braking system in hybrid vehicles is electrically triggered. The fuel-efficacy advantage of hybrid vehicles braking system revolves around their weight in comparison to hydraulic vehicles. This reduction in weight is, therefore, an effective fuel-efficiency improvement methodology (O’Dell, 2013).

Advanced Aerodynamics

Moreover, hybrid cars have an advanced and active aerodynamics like automated grille shutters that are used to enhance airflow and lower fuel-draining drag. Again, they come with completely sealed underbodies and airflow diverters which preclude any likelihood of turbulence to form. Hybrid vehicles generate energy through a technique known as a regenerative braking system, where the car’s electric vehicles shift polarity to work as a generator, especially when brakes are applied or throttle pressure is released. As such, the regenerative braking system changes the vehicle’s alternator into a generator that powers the recharge of the battery and capacitors (O’Dell, 2013). This technique boosts the fuel efficiency by 5%.

References

O’Dell, .J. (2013). Hybrid and Electric Car Technology Helps Gas Cars Gain MPG: How Advanced Efficiency Cars Can Save the Gas Burners. Accessed on 08/02/2017 at https://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/hybrid-and-electric-car-technology-helps-gas- cars-gain-mpg.html