Hybrids

Hybrid vehicles are purely dependent on an internal combustion for power but use electrical systems to improve fuel efficiency. The five key features are the use of electric motor to assist in propelling the vehicle, the ability to charge a battery to provide power for the electric motor, the use of regenerative braking (braking recharges the battery), automatic engine start and stop and a transmission system that optimises engine efficiency and car performance.

Per mile driven, hybrids generate significantly lower emissions than conventional vehicles, approximately halving fuel consumption. They can also deliver better driving performance using the electric motor to give good acceleration from a standing start and to assist the engine at high speeds.  Hybrid cars have the power to make much greater use of the latest electrical systems, which give improved safety and comfort levels.

There are a number of hybrid variations, different configurations determine efficiency, performance and cost. There are full, mild and weak hybrids; series, parallel and combination drive trains and different fuel options.

Hybrid technology is applicable not only to cars but buses and trucks.

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