Today‘s HEVs utilise an internal combustion engine in tandem with one or multiple electric motors that make use of energy stored in batteries. This combination of components provides the advantages of excellent fuel efficiency and minimal tailpipe emissions, as well as the power and range of traditional motor vehicles.
If you are considering purchasing a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it is worth comparing HEV and non–hybrid models side by side. A variety of HEV models are now available, although they tend to cost more than conventional vehicles.
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What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) combines both an electric engine and a conventional internal combustion engine, resulting in better performance and fuel economy than a conventional vehicle.
Explains Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – Techopedia
HEVs come in three varieties: series hybrids, parallel hybrids, and series–parallel hybrids.
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically possess the following traits:
- To conserve energy when not in use, a hybrid electric vehicle will automatically turn off its engine and restart it as soon as the accelerator is pressed.
- One of the standout features of HEVs is regenerative braking, where the energy lost while braking and coasting is recovered and stored in the battery, which can then be used by the electric motor.
- The electric motor assists the engine by providing power during passing, accelerating, or going up a hill, making the engine smaller and more efficient.
The advantages of HEVs include:
- The consumption of oil is lower than that of traditional vehicles.
- The lower carbon–based emissions of HEVs make them more environmentally friendly, thus helping to conserve non–renewable resources like petroleum products.
- Maintenance expenses for conventional vehicles are higher than those for maintenance of vehicles with alternative power sources.
- HEVs can get more mileage on long trips due to the electric motor taking over from the engine.
What is the Driving Range Limited in a HEV?
- Since HEV hybrid vehicles do not require plugging in, you can treat them just like any other petrol or diesel vehicle and fill up your fuel tank at any filling station when it runs low.
- Since there is no battery to worry about, the range of the car is mainly determined by the size of its fuel tank and how efficient the engine is.
- If you drive at speeds below 20 mph in town, you can use the electric motor to power your car on battery power alone. The battery will last for 1–2 miles before its charge runs out, which is something to keep in mind if you own a Battery Electric Vehicle or Plug–in Hybrid. See our Range Guide for more information.
What is the HEVs Environmental Impact?
When it comes to environmental impact, HEVs receive a third place ranking.
BEVs are valuable because they are all–electric and have zero–emissions, thus ensuring a gold standard of sustainability.
PHEVs receive second place compared to fully electric vehicles as they are equipped with a moderately sized battery and can offer zero to minimal emissions for a maximum distance of 30 miles before producing pollutants.
HEVs are not much different from other vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, as they can only use petrol or diesel for fuel and produce harmful gases and pollutants.
The Toyota Prius Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) taxi is a blessing in traffic jams, as it can run solely on battery power at low speeds without making any engine noise. Once the speed increases or the battery runs out of charge, the engine will kick in.
What do we think about HEVs?
Hybrid Electric Vehicles are an excellent choice if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint while still maintaining the convenience of a modern car. The combination of an electric motor and gasoline engine allows you to take advantage of the efficiency of electric power while still having the ability to use gasoline if needed. Additionally, the cost savings offered by Hybrid Electric Vehicles in terms of fuel economy and maintenance costs make them an attractive option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
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