How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

If you’re looking into investing in environmentally friendly options for your next new car purchase, then you’ve come to the right place. At Morrie's 394 Hyundai, we can help match you with the right hybrid or electric vehicle for your needs.

With hybrid electric technology always being improved upon, you can maintain efficiency on the Minnetonka roads without sacrificing any of the features and amenities that you want either! Visit our St. Louis Park dealership to explore our hybrid vehicle inventory, or contact us and schedule a test drive for your favorite model. We look forward to helping you find your new daily driver!

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrids are a great choice for improving fuel economy. Just what is a hybrid car, and how does it work under the hood? A hybrid vehicle actually has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine, and an electric battery. In hybrid systems, the two work in concert to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Most hybrids on the market today are parallel hybrids. In these vehicles, both the electric motor and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT system. They work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

We went over how hybrid cars work above, but keep in mind that hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are two distinct categories. So, how do hybrids and EVs differ? While hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery, EVs use electric power only. However, newer vehicles are beginning to blur the lines between the two. Some brands now offer plug-in hybrids, which combine the benefits of both:

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone.
• For short distances around Richfield, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like you’d drive an EV — relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
• If you’ll be heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
• Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take between 1 and 4 hours to fully charge.

Discover Hybrid Power with Morrie's 394 Hyundai

No matter where you go in Minneapolis, there’s a Hyundai to get you there. Continue your research and be sure to browse our new vehicle specials before you visit us at Morrie's 394 Hyundai. When it comes time to make the switch to one of our eco-friendly models, apply for financing to get a jumpstart on the purchase process.