I'm confused about how hybrid cars work...is gas used to accelerate, or is that electric power? So on highways, they just rely on electric power, right?
Hybrid cars typically use a combination of a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The way hybrid cars work can vary depending on the specific make and model, but I can explain the general principles.
When a hybrid car starts and at lower speeds, it usually runs solely on electric power. The electric motor, powered by a battery pack, provides torque to accelerate the car. At this point, the gasoline engine is either completely off or idling to recharge the battery.
As the car accelerates or requires more power, the gasoline engine kicks in. It either powers the car directly or charges the battery to provide electricity to the electric motor. During this phase, the car is using gasoline and operating like a conventional car.
On highways or when the car requires sustained higher speeds, the gasoline engine typically takes over as the primary power source. The electric motor might still provide support for extra power or assist during passing maneuvers, but the gasoline engine is doing most of the work. This is because running the gasoline engine at a constant speed is more efficient for highway driving.
The hybrid system continuously balances between the electric motor and the gasoline engine to optimize fuel efficiency based on the driving conditions. It allows for better fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines alone.
It's important to note that the specific behavior of a hybrid car can vary depending on the car's design, the mode selected by the driver (if available), and other factors. It's always recommended to refer to the car's owner manual for precise information on how a particular hybrid model operates.