Over the years, automakers have shifted to a more eco-friendly driving option with the introduction of hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
At first glance, all hybrids might seem like they offer the same benefits, but the hybrid vehicle classification is further broken down into layers.
Let’s check out the different types of hybrid cars offered in the market, as well as the levels they can be classified into.
How Many Types of Hybrid Cars Are There?
There are four types of hybrid cars: plug-in, series, parallel, and series-parallel hybrids.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) gives the driver the option to drive the vehicle on electric power alone until it runs out of electric charge and switches to using the internal combustion engine for power.
However, this type has the least electric range compared to other hybrids. Still, most PHEV owners can drive to and from work on a single charge.
Plug-in hybrids give drivers the best of both worlds. This type of vehicle can give drivers some peace of mind because they won’t have to deal with “range anxiety,” which is common among drivers with fully electric vehicles.
At the same time, they can enjoy the raw power from the internal combustion engine should they want some extra kick out of their vehicles.
A PHEV can be charged using the internal combustion engine, a wall outlet, or via regenerative braking.
Series Hybrid
Unlike the plug-in hybrid, a series hybrid runs solely on a battery-powered electric motor. However, this type still relies on an internal combustion engine to charge the motor that drives the transmission. The Chevy Volt is one example of a series hybrid.
In a series hybrid, the internal combustion engine functions as a generator and doesn’t power the vehicle directly. The engine only runs to keep the battery charged.
A series hybrid doesn’t need a transmission, clutch, or torque converter, which is one of the many advantages of this hybrid.
However, one possible downside to driving a series hybrid is that the engine can add too much weight to the vehicle. Given that it acts as an on-board battery charger, it’s impossible to take it out.
The electric motor and battery of a series hybrid also need to be big enough to supply enough power to the vehicle under all operating conditions.
Other functions like heating and air conditioning can also reduce a series hybrid’s range.
Series hybrids are commonly found in diesel-electric railroad locomotives. This type of hybrid works best at steady speeds.
Parallel Hybrid
A parallel hybrid combines multiple energy and propulsion sources to get the vehicle going. It can also use one source to operate the entire vehicle, but the electric battery won’t last more than a mile or two without help from the internal combustion engine.
In a parallel hybrid, both the battery and engine are connected to the transmission by way of the transaxle, except on a Honda Insight, which has the motor sandwiched between the engine and the transaxle. On the Honda, the electric motor basically acts as an electric supercharger to assist the engine. A parallel hybrid can rely on the electric motor to run while the internal combustion engine provides additional support and vice versa.
This type of hybrid usually has a smaller, slightly different type of internal combustion engine than regular vehicles.
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Pro Tip: The Atkinson cycle internal combustion engine is typically used in hybrids because it improves fuel efficiency by allowing a longer power stroke compared to the compression stroke, which leads to better thermal efficiency.
One of the challenges that come with owning a parallel hybrid is that complex software is needed to blend electric power with the power coming from the internal combustion engine.
In some cases, a parallel hybrid requires further engineering to ensure that the heating and air conditioning system is working properly while the vehicle stops at idle.
Series-Parallel Hybrid
A series-parallel hybrid combines the features of series and parallel types. This type of hybrid vehicle can operate on an electric motor alone or with some assistance from its internal combustion engine.
When driving this type of hybrid, it’s normal for the internal combustion engine to keep running even though the vehicle is stopped. This might occur once the electronic controller detects that the batteries need to be charged.
In some cases, the internal combustion engine might or might not start, depending on the engine temperature and other conditions.
Levels of Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles can be classified into the following levels一mild, medium, and full hybrid.
Mild Hybrid
A mild hybrid vehicle can’t rely on the electric motor to propel the vehicle on its own. It needs an internal combustion engine to provide additional power.
Generally, a mild hybrid costs less compared to other hybrid levels, but it also saves less fuel compared to a full hybrid.
Most mild hybrids use a 42-volt electrical motor and battery package.
Medium Hybrid
A medium hybrid uses batteries that fall between the 144 and 158-volt range. Such batteries are necessary for functions like engine stop/start, regenerative braking, and power assist, among others.
Similar to a mild hybrid, a medium hybrid can’t propel the vehicle on its own using battery power alone. The good news is that medium hybrids have about 20% to 25% fuel economy savings.
Full Hybrid
A full hybrid, also called a strong hybrid, can rely solely on its electric motors to propel the entire vehicle. It also uses idle stop regenerative braking.
A full hybrid is the most fuel-efficient compared to the three levels, saving anywhere between 30% and 50% of fuel.
Most Common Hybrid Vehicle Features
Each type of hybrid has its set of advantages and disadvantages, but they share some common features. Here are the features you’ll typically find in most hybrid vehicles:
Idle Stop
The idle stop feature shuts off the engine once the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Once the brakes are released, the engine turns on.
This feature ensures that the engine doesn’t waste fuel and release harmful exhaust emissions when the vehicle isn’t running.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking is a feature that converts energy from inertia into electrical energy whenever the brakes are applied. The energy from braking activities is then stored in the battery.
Power Assist
During power assist mode, the electric motor helps the internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle. This feature helps improve the vehicle’s fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
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Bought a 15 Sonata Limited Hybrid. Had to replace the transmission $$$$4,000 🤬🤬🤬 then the Hybrid battery went out (outside of warranty🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 No warranty left, can’t get a new, used or re-conditioned one. Now a paperweight! The vehicle, except the two aforementioned problems, was fantastic! Not having an available Hybrid is a travesty! I’ll NEVER buy another Hyundai if it has that crappy set up. I’m lucky to get $500 scrap!