Hybrid Cars and Electric Vehicles

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an electric motor in a traditional hybrid car?

To power the vehicle for a short distance

To charge the battery

To replace the internal combustion engine

To support the internal combustion engine to stretch each gallon of fuel further (correct)

What is a characteristic of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)?

They require a power source to charge (correct)

They do not have an internal combustion engine

They use only gasoline for fuel

They do not require a power source to charge

What happens when the electric motor in a plug-in hybrid car drops below a specific charge?

The gasoline engine takes over (correct)

The electric motor is recharged

The vehicle switches to regenerative braking

The vehicle stops running

What is a benefit of using a smaller internal combustion engine in plug-in hybrid vehicles?

Less expensive manufacturing costs Signup and view all the answers

How is the electric motor charged in a traditional hybrid car?

Through regenerative braking or the gas-powered engine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of power for electric cars?

Electric power stored in battery packs Signup and view all the answers

What is required to charge an electric car?

Either a standard 110-volt outlet or a 220-volt outlet Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the electric power stored in an electric car's battery pack as it is used?

It decreases, similar to a smartphone's battery cycle Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to charge electric car batteries optimally?

To extend the lifespan of the battery Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of hybrid and electric cars?

They offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly way to commute Signup and view all the answers

What is a common advantage of hybrid vehicles compared to electric vehicles?

Higher fuel-efficiency ratings Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drawback of electric vehicles compared to hybrid vehicles?

Higher initial purchase cost Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hybrid vehicles that is different from electric vehicles?

Internal combustion engine and electric motor Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of electric vehicles that is not available in hybrid vehicles?

Zero tailpipe emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced by electric vehicle owners?

Limited range of travel Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hybrid Cars

A hybrid car requires an electric motor and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) for power.
There are two types of hybrids: conventional and plug-in.
In a traditional hybrid, the electric motor supports the ICE to stretch each gallon of fuel further.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) require a power source to charge and can take over to power the vehicle for a short distance.

Charging and Power Source

In traditional hybrids, regenerative braking or the gas-powered engine charges the electric motor.
Plug-in hybrids require a power source to charge, and the electric motor can take over to power the vehicle for a short distance.

Electric Cars

Electric cars, also known as “battery electric vehicles” (BEVs), don’t require fossil fuels.
They are powered by an enormous battery pack that stores electric power.
Electric cars don’t produce any tailpipe emissions, but they require charging.

Charging Electric Cars

Level 1 charging requires a standard 110-volt outlet.
Level 2 requires a 220-volt outlet.
DC Fast Charge juices up the battery the fastest.

Comparing Hybrid and Electric Cars

Hybrid cars offer higher fuel-efficiency ratings than gas-powered cars.
Electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions and fewer moving parts to maintain/replace.
Hybrid cars tend to be more affordable than electric vehicles.
Electric cars have a higher initial purchase cost and require accounting for charging.

Pros and Cons

Pros of hybrid and electric cars: reduce carbon footprint, higher fuel-efficiency ratings, affordable, environmentally friendly, and quieter ride.
Cons of hybrid and electric cars: complicated systems, higher purchase cost, charging can be tricky, and lacking infrastructure of charging stations.

Key Differences

Hybrid cars use an internal combustion engine and electric motor, while electric cars use an electric battery.
Hybrid cars have lower emissions, while electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions.
Hybrid cars have a gas engine that extends beyond a short electric range, while electric cars have varying ranges by manufacturer.

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Description

Learn about the different types of hybrid cars, including conventional and plug-in hybrids, and how they work to improve fuel efficiency. Understand the role of electric motors and traditional internal combustion engines in powering these vehicles.