The Hybrid vehicles are actually not a new idea but when it hit the mainstream 10 years ago with the release of the Prius, terms seem to jumble up and confusions seem to be inevitable. Here are the more popular terms you must understand.
Hybrid vehicle: A hybrid vehicle is any vehicle that harnesses power from 2 or more sources. It can be a mo-ped, train, bus or even a submarine. The term, "hybrid vehicle" is often used to refer to hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) which is a car that runs on an electric motor and other source of power (i.e. gasoline or diesel engine).
Full Hybrid is an HEV that can run on combustion engine alone or can be assisted by the electric motor for additional power. Also, full hybrid vehicles can also run on pure electric power when the combustion engine is not needed especially during low-speed and low acceleration driving, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. During braking or slowing down, the full hybrid recaptures the kinetic energy and stores it back to the battery. At stops, it temporarily shuts off its engine to get maximum fuel economy.
Mild Hybrid is a typical gas-powered car with oversized starter motor, which allows the engine to temporarily shut off during braking, coasting, or at a stop. Most do not consider mild hybrids to be hybrids at all since they do not have the hybrid drive trains and electric motors. However, mild hybrids have the benefits and features of hybrid cars including the regenerative braking system and better fuel economy relative to the conventional cars.
Plug-in Hybrid PHEV is a type of hybrid car that is capable of recharging the battery with an electrical outlet. A plug-in hybrid has lots of advantages. One, it can run on a considerable distance using pure electric energy before the engine kicks in. It can use other types of fuel such as hydrogen, bio-diesel, and diesel; not just gasoline. And it can reduce dependence on fuel and help reduce air pollution. The plug-in technology is relatively new to the market. Only General Motors, Toyota, Aptera Motors, Fisker Automotive, and BYD Auto have announced intentions to build PHEVs.
Power Assist Hybrid is a typical hybrid car that uses the engine as primary power with assist from electric motor when needed. Unlike the full hybrid, the electric motor is not involved in directly moving the vehicle.
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