What is a Hybrid Car?

When Elizabethtown shoppers are interested in upgrading to a fuel-efficient car, truck, or SUV, many turn to hybrid vehicles like the new Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. That said, you may be wondering: what is the hybrid car definition? The hybrid car meaning is a vehicle that has an electric motor with a gasoline engine. Both the electric motor and gasoline engines work together in a hybrid vehicle to power your drives and lower your overall fuel consumption.

If you’re interested in something that can tackle the Radcliff commute without constantly stopping at the fuel pump, a hybrid vehicle is a great option. In this guide, Hyundai of Louisville covers the hybrid car meaning in-depth, answers, “what is a hybrid car?”, and discusses the different types of hybrid powertrains. 

Types of Hybrid Cars

The hybrid car definition states that the vehicle’s powertrain includes an electric motor and gasoline engine. Typical hybrid car definitions describe that both the motor and the engine work in conjunction to maximize fuel efficiency. Prior to choosing a hybrid vehicle for your Jeffersonville adventures, you’ll want to dive into the different types of hybrid powertrains:

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid is the most common hybrid vehicle available on the market today. The parallel hybrid car definition means that the electric motor and gasoline engine are connected to the same automatic, manual, or CVT transmission. Parallel hybrids combine their two power sources together to move your car along the Jeffersonville roads.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrid vehicles usually have electric motors paired with a gasoline engine, the main difference being that the electric motors are directly paired with the transmission and are the sole power source of the vehicle. The gasoline engine in a series hybrid vehicle only acts as a generator for the electric motors.

Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid is similar to a parallel hybrid as it has an electric motor and gasoline engine connected to the transmission. However, plug-in hybrids are unique because they have increased battery packs and offer the ability to drive farther on the electric motors alone. If you’re regularly driving short distances, say commuting to work and back, you can drive solely on electric power, come home, and plug the hybrid vehicle in to recharge the battery packs. If you ever run out of electric driving range, the gasoline engine will kick in and act as if you’re driving a parallel hybrid vehicle, giving you several options for the way you drive around Louisville.

Explore Hybrid Vehicles at Hyundai of Louisville Today!

After diving into the hybrid car definition and the different types of EVs, you can know that they are fantastic options for Louisville drivers who don’t want to worry about range anxiety but appreciate a fuel-efficient car. Contact us online or reach us at 502-509-5942 if you have any further questions about hybrid car meanings or would like to test drive one of our new hybrid Hyundai vehicles.