Free Auto Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
How Does it Work /
Hybrid Car
How a Hybrid Car Works
A hybrid car uses more than one source of power. The most common two sources in
today's hybrid cars are petrol and electric power. The body of the hybrid car is
lighter than a conventional vehicle thus facilitating higher mileage. The tires
are made of firm material and hold more air pressure to decrease drag. The
batteries are charged by recovering brake energy (kinetic) and are recharged from the alternator.
Unlike the batteries of a conventional car the battery of a hybrid car differs in
the internal structure and the amount of energy stored. The replacement of nickel
with copper has made the hybrid battery more powerful but the cost is rising do
to the increased demand of raw materials. A new battery called a lithium
ion is quickly becoming a viable alternative. They can produce more power with a
shorter recharge rate.
Basic Hybrid Car
A lightweight lithium ion battery also provides more power and a longer running
time than copper based batteries. This increases the efficiency and acceleration
of the car. The biggest advantage to users will be when lithium batteries are mass
produced to hold down the cost. Some hybrid cars are now being produced which have
the option of plug-in batteries. The user will plug in the vehicle to an electrical
outlet to charge. This technology is a major advancement, it requires robust batteries
and an intelligent computer control system.
Toyota Hybrid Motor
Traditional lithium ion batteries have cobalt oxide cathode material, which makes
it more vulnerable to catch fire or explode. This is known as the thermal runaway
effect. To defeat this condition manufacturers have now replaced the cobalt
metal with phosphate. This provides the same charging power and energy storage
when compared to cobalt oxide battery. The controller area network (CAN)
incorporates high-speed communication busses to facilitate communication between
the microprocessors and the multi-layers of control systems. The multi-layer
control system consists of electric motor controllers, battery management
systems, transmission controller, engine controller, and electrical grid
controller. The hybrid system is also more complex when integrated with an anti-lock brake system.
Scientists claim that the modern nickel metal hydride batteries, when compared to
the traditional nickel cadmium and lead acid batteries cause less harm to the environment.
Lead batteries are the most toxic followed by nickel and then lithium. Most manufacturers
recycle many of the components of the battery. The parts are disassembled and divided
into categories, plastic is shredded, metals and fluid extracted. The remainder of
the contents is neutralized before it is sent into landfills.
Basic Maintenance
Batteries can develop connection problems do to corrosion. Inspect all connections
and clean as needed, baking soda can be added to the terminals to help prevent further
corrosion. Follow the normal
maintenance schedule
for your particular vehicle.
How Does it Work
/ Hybrid Car
Check Manufacturer Specific Hybrid
Question and Answers
Related Subjects
Got a Car Repair Question
we will answer it for FREE!
GET A
REPAIR MANUAL
FOR YOUR CAR. Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information and other available updates and factory bulletins.
| 
