Types of Hybrid Vehicles Explained

Hybrid and other electrified platforms have rapidly gained a significant portion of North American market share over the past few decades, especially as legal requirements for emissions tighten and consumer priorities shift to efficient daily drivers. 

While all hybrids make use of both electric motors and internal combustion, the layout and method of power-delivery can vary considerably by make and model. In this article, we’ll cover the most common types of hybrid systems, how these systems operate, and the pros and cons of each one. 

Full-Hybrids

The majority of hybrid vehicles on the road fall into the “full-hybrid” category, which use a mix of both electric motors and a combustion engine to propel the vehicle, while generating all of their electric power through internal means such as regenerative braking. Starting with the release of the Toyota Prius in the early 2000s, full-hybrids have become some of the most popular new vehicles on the road. 

Full-hybrids generally fall into three categories based on the layout of the motors within the drivetrain: parallel, series, and series-parallel. 

Parallel Hybrid 

Parallel hybrids can operate in three modes: combustion only, electric only, and a mix of the two. The name “parallel” comes from the fact that the electric motors and engine can apply power to the wheels simultaneously.

Series Hybrids

Unlike parallel hybrid systems, series hybrids only apply power to the wheels through the use of electric motors, while the internal combustion engine is used solely to generate electricity to be used by the electric powertrain.

Series-Parallel Hybrids

With constant innovation since the introduction of consumer hybrid vehicles, many new hybrids fall somewhere between a series and parallel hybrid; aptly called a series-parallel hybrid. While there’s no exact formula for what makes a series-hybrid system, it’s generally regarded to be any hybrid system that is able to switch between a parallel or series mode.

The swapping of drivetrain modes is generally handled by the vehicle’s onboard computer, which uses sensors to decide when it would be beneficial to switch modes of operation. Series-parallel hybrids combine much of what makes hybrid vehicles attractive to consumers, and make up the majority of new hybrid vehicles hitting the road. 

Mild Hybrids

As the name implies, mild hybrids incorporate electric assistance in a much subtler way than traditional full or plug-in hybrids. 

The electric motors used in mild hybrids generally don’t have the adequate power output to propel the vehicle on their own, and instead provide small amounts of assistance to the powertrain as needed. These motors often sit between the engine and transmission, allowing them to kick in when extra power is required. 

Mild hybrids are a great way to get some of the efficiency benefits of electrified platforms while retaining the familiar driving and ownership experience of an internal combustion engined vehicle. 

Plug-In Hybrids

The hybrid systems we’ve discussed thus-far all generate their own power internally. While this is great for increasing the vehicle’s range using power that would have otherwise been wasted, it does come with its fair share of drawbacks.

Hybrids that rely on regenerative braking and other internal methods of power generation will be unable to drive for long distances on electric power alone, since the vehicle does not generate adequate power itself. 

Plug-in hybrids solve this issue through the inclusion of a large EV-like battery and an external charging port, which allow for them to drive on electric power alone for significantly longer than hybrids that lack any means of external charging. 

These vehicles act as a great middle ground for those who are interested in an EV but don’t want to completely give up the familiarity of gas powertrains. 

Hybrid Vehicle Services at Toledo Tire & Auto Care

No matter the type of system that powers your vehicle, the experienced technicians at Toledo Tire & Auto Care have the equipment and training to properly care for your hybrid system. Give us a call or schedule online with our friendly team today!