What is a Hybrid Car?

If you’re searching Council Bluffs for a fuel-efficient car with all the latest technology, you should consider a new hybrid car. What is a hybrid car? The hybrid car meaning is a vehicle with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The hybrid car definition means that both the electric motor and gasoline engines combine to provide the best possible fuel economy for your Omaha, NE drives. Here Edwards Kia answers the question, “What is the hybrid car definition?” and explains the different types of hybrid powertrains. Contact us at Edwards Kia if you have any questions.

Types of Hybrid Cars

So, the hybrid car meaning is that the vehicle has an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Typically, both the motor and the gas engine work together, but there are different kinds of hybrid powertrains. Review them below

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid is the most common hybrid on Bellevue, NE roads. The parallel hybrid car meaning is that the electric motor and gasoline engine are connected to the same transmission. Parallel hybrids combine their two power sources to propel the vehicle forward in the most efficient manner.

Series Hybrid

A series hybrid car definition is a bit different. In a series hybrid, the electric motor is paired with the transmission and is its only source of power. The gasoline engine in a series hybrid car acts as a generator for the electric motors and provides power to the gasoline engine.

Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid car is similar to a parallel hybrid in that the gas engine and electric motor are connected to the transmission. Still, what makes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) unique is that they have larger battery packs and can travel further on La Vista, NE roads on only the electric motor. If you have a short commute, you can drive on just electric power, drive home, and plug the hybrid vehicle, like you would an electric car, to recharge the battery. One benefit of a plug-in hybrid vehicle is that if you run out of electric driving range, the gas engine kicks in automatically and acts as if you’re driving a standard parallel hybrid car.

Your New Hybrid Vehicle is Waiting for you at Edwards Kia!

You’ll never have range anxiety in a hybrid car because you still have a gas engine, but you’ll get excellent fuel economy on your Council Bluffs drives. Whether you want a new or pre-owned hybrid car, we likely have it on our lot right now! Please browse our new vehicle specials, apply for credit online, and contact us today to arrange a test drive!