THE BEST OF
The increasing demand for hybrid cars has created an emerging market for hybrid
Whilst hybrid automotives are not new, more vehicle manufacturers
are taking hybrid technology development more seriously. The
undeniable fuel efficiency of hybrid technology has even led supercar
manufacturers like Porsche and McLaren to adopt it to attain great
speeds at a fraction of the petrol that is traditionally needed.
For the everyday driver, many are turning to hybrid vehicles for
their eco-friendly and fuel efficient qualities. The demand for hybrid
components in the aftermarket is growing proportionately as more
hybrid cars take to UK roads. With sales of hybrid cars going from
strength to strength, motor factors and garages should be prepared
for demands in the aftermarket. Klarius and GS Batteries speak
about the various aspects of how hybrid parts differ from those of
traditional combustion engine cars.
HOW HYBRID VEHICLES WORK
A hybrid vehicle harnesses energy from a traditional combustion engine
and an electric motor. By doing this, hybrid vehicles are significantly
more fuel efficient in comparison to their non-hybrid counterparts. As
the combustion engine requires less fuel to operate, hybrid vehicles
consequently create less CO2 emissions.
For most popular hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, they are
especially efficient for urban driving as they draw power from the
electric motor, getting energy from the battery when travelling at low
speeds up to 30mph.
A typical hybrid layout
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2
One of the most significantly profound ways that hybrid vehicles get
their energy efficiency from is through the ‘regenerative braking’
process. Traditionally, when the brakes are applied, the heat caused by
friction is simply lost kinetic energy. Whereas, when brakes are applied
in a hybrid vehicle, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) signals the
electric motor to kick in and operate in reverse. This creates a load on
the motor and in turn, decelerates the car. Then extra deceleration is
generated from ‘conventional’ braking where necessary.
This ‘regenerative braking’ process allows the motor to behave like a
generator to once again, charge the battery for later use.
CLEANER EMISSIONS
The Toyota Prius remains one of the most popular hybrid cars in the
market. Running a shared powertrain of an electric motor and a small
combustion engine, these vehicles require high performance emissions
equipment. Furthermore, an exhaust system on a hybrid vehicle has to
be perfectly installed to avoid drastic deterioration of car performance.
The engine bay of a Prius is tightly packed, requiring a space saving
exhaust. If this exhaust is fitted improperly, a number of issues can
occur, diminishing the performance of the Prius’ Hybrid Synergy Drive.
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SOURCE: toyota.co.uk
1 Electric motor
2 1.3kWh NiHM battery pack
3 Power split-transmission
4 Electric motor/generator
5 Fuel tank
6 Small petrol engine (1.8 litre)
4 HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
When the driver requires more power or a sharp acceleration, both
engine and electric motors work simultaneously to increase power. As
the engine powers the generator, this provides the motor with seamless
electric power to operate with.
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4
5
During normal cruising speeds, the most efficient way to harness energy
is through the combustion engine. Whilst the combustion engine is
in operation, the generator is simultaneously powered to charge up
electricity stores in the battery for later use.
The first sign of an improperly fitted exhaust is the increase of noise.
Additionally, the general efficiency of the car will diminish due to
increased back pressure, creating a resistance to the escaping flow of
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 45