What is a Hybrid Car?

While Harrisburg shoppers are searching for their next premium vehicle, they often wonder about the hybrid car definition, how hybrids work, and how hybrid vehicles can enhance their commute. You’re in luck! Per the hybrid car definition, both the electric motor and gas engines work together to offer strong fuel economy ratings. Learn more, then be sure to contact our sales team to get behind the driver’s seat of a new hybrid vehicle for a test drive.

What Are the Different Types of Hybrid Cars?

The hybrid car meaning states that the car’s powertrain includes an electric motor and gas engine, and they work together to maximize the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. However, before deciding on which hybrid vehicle is better suited for your Newville adventures, you should learn about the different types of hybrid vehicles. Below is a look at the different hybrid powertrains:

Parallel Hybrid

The parallel hybrid is the most common hybrid vehicle you’ll see out on the roads, and it consists of an electric motor and gas engine connected to the same automatic, manual, or CVT transmission. They work to blend their two power sources to propel the vehicle forward.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrid vehicles also consist of gas engines paired with electric motors. However, the electric motors are directly paired with the transmission working as the sole power source of the vehicle. The gas engine in a series hybrid acts as a generator for the electric motors and only works to provide power to the gas engine.

Plug-In Hybrid

People often wonder how hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid models compares. Similar to a parallel hybrid, a plug-in hybrid has an electric motor and gasoline engine that are connected to the transmission. However, plug-in hybrids are special because they have increased battery packs and provide the ability to drive farther on the electric motors alone. If you do a lot of short-distance driving, you can do so on pure electric power, come home, then plug in the hybrid to recharge the battery packs. If you run out of electric driving range, the gas engine then kicks in and acts as if you’re driving a conventional parallel hybrid model.

Find Your Next Hybrid in Mechanicsburg!

Now that we’ve answered, “What is a hybrid car?”, it’s time to get behind the driver’s seat of the model that’s better suited for your Hershey drives. Check out our virtual inventory and vehicle specials, then apply for financing to see if you qualify. Contact us to get things started today!