How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Hybrid electric technology has advanced leaps and bounds in the last several years, truly shaking up the auto market industry and making hybrid cars affordable for any Fairfield driver. At Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield, our inventory of new and used vehicles with hybrid electric technology offers a wide range of variety depending on whether you’d like to go fully electric or partially electric with a hybrid model.

However, you may ask, “What is a hybrid car and how does it work?” We have the answers! If you’re just getting started in your Norwalk search for a hybrid vehicle, continue reading our guide below to learn how hybrid cars work. 

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

So, how do hybrid cars work? Well, the answer to how hybrid cars work varies depending on the type of hybrid model you drive. Any hybrid Mercedes-Benz model will operate off of two power sources, the electric battery and the traditional internal combustion engine. These power sources work together in most likely one of these configurations, the parallel or series: 

Parallel Hybrid

Many hybrids that you see throughout Weston are parallel hybrids. This means that the gasoline engine and electric motor are connected to the transmission system.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids are still extremely common, this hybrid configuration pairs the electric motor with the transmission. This means that the electric motor is the primary source of power and the gasoline engine is essentially a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

Now that we’ve answered, “What is a hybrid car and how does it work?” There are still plug-in electric vehicles that often get compared to hybrid models. The only source of power for an EV is electric power while hybrids use electric and gasoline power. While EVs work differently than how hybrid cars work, here are a few benefits of plug-in hybrids:

• Plug-in hybrids have increased battery packs. 
• You can use 100% electric power for your quick trips around Westport. 
• For longer trips to Trumble and beyond, you’ll have a higher driving range since you’re using two sources of power. 
• Hybrid plug-in vehicles take 1 to 4 hours to fully charge. 

Purchase a Hybrid Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

The only question that remains is, “How do hybrid cars work for my lifestyle?” Contact us to schedule a test drive to find out! Explore ways to prep your home for an EV to ensure it fits your lifestyle.