What is a Hybrid Car?

 
When Portland shoppers are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, many turn to hybrid-powered vehicles like the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.  But what exactly is the hybrid car definition? The hybrid car meaning is essentially a vehicle that has an electric motor with a gasoline engine. By the hybrid car definition, both the electric motor and gasoline engines work together to provide the best fuel economy possible.

If you’re looking for something to tackle the Hillsboro commute without constantly stopping at the pump, you should consider a hybrid vehicle. Today at Beaverton Toyota, we’re going to go over the hybrid car meaning in-depth, answer the question, “What is a hybrid car?” and go over the different types of hybrid powertrains. Then feel free to head on over to our rotating offers and incentives to see if you can save on your next hybrid vehicle.

Types of Hybrid Cars

So what is a hybrid car? A hybrid powertrain consists of an electric motor and a gasoline engine. In most hybrid cars, both the motor and the engine work in conjunction to maximize fuel efficiency. However, before choosing a hybrid vehicle for your Tualatin adventures, you’ll want to learn about the different types of hybrid vehicles. Let’s take a look at the different hybrid powertrains so you can more easily understand the different hybrid car meanings:

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid is the most common type of hybrid vehicle available today. In a parallel hybrid, the electric motor and gasoline engine are both connected to the same transmission, whether it’s automatic, manual, or CVT. These vehicles use a blend of both power sources to drive the vehicle forward.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrid vehicles also feature electric motors alongside a gasoline engine, but unlike other hybrids, the electric motor is the sole power source directly connected to the transmission. In a series hybrid, the gasoline engine acts solely as a generator, providing power to the electric motors rather than driving the wheels directly.

Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid is similar to a parallel hybrid in that both the electric motor and gasoline engine are connected to the transmission. However, what sets plug-in hybrids apart is their larger battery packs, allowing them to drive farther on electric power alone. If you frequently drive short distances, you can rely on pure electric power, then plug in your vehicle at home to recharge, just like an electric vehicle.

The great thing about plug-in hybrids is that if you exhaust the electric range, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, functioning like a conventional parallel hybrid vehicle.

Your Hybrid Vehicle is Waiting for You at Beaverton Toyota!

Hybrid vehicles are a fantastic option for Beaverton drivers who don’t want to worry about range anxiety but appreciate a fuel-efficient car. Whether you want a new or pre-owned hybrid vehicle, we can help you find what you’re looking for with our vehicle finder service. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to getting you behind the wheel of a hybrid vehicle waiting for you at Beaverton Toyota. See you soon!