What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Simply stated, a hybrid vehicle is one that utilizes morethese technologies is the hybrid electric-petroleum
than one source of energy to move or propel theengines. These engines use the electrical power of the
vehicle. Depending upon the type of vehicle in question,motor as well as the gas power produced by the
it may utilize a combination of many different types ofengine in varying degrees to provide propulsion of the
energy sources. Some of the most commonly usedvehicle. The engine can be a mild hybrid, where the
energy sources in hybrid vehicles include:electrical motor and the battery are used as standby
- Petrol or Dieselsources of energy, or it can be a full hybrid version,
- Rechargeable Energy Storage Systemwhere all three components- the gas engine, electrical
- Electricitymotor as well as the battery, are all fully engaged in
- Natural Gasthe process of creating energy.
- Compressed AirThere is also hybrid technology available that creates
- Human Power (pedaling, etc.)Continuously Outboard Recharged Electric Vehicle or
Human powered hybrid vehicles are perhapsCOREV. In this technology, the electrical power drives
illustrations of the simplest use of the hybrid technology.the vehicle and needs to be recharged on a regular
For instance, a moped is a human powered hybridbasis.
vehicle. It utilizes an electrical motor or an internalOn the other hand, there is also another distinct side of
combustion engine along with the mechanical energyhybrid technology. While a vehicle is commonly
created by the pedaling done by the rider. However, inconsidered hybrid if it uses more than one form of
recent times, new technology is available in the formdevice for propulsion, even those vehicles that are
of hybrid cycles. The pedaling of the rider createscapable of using more than one fuel at a time for
energy, which gets converted into electricity whichefficient performance are considered hybrid vehicles.
then powers the motor, but also charges the battery. ItThis technology is driven by what is called Hybrid Fuel.
is then possible for the motor to also use batteryHowever, vehicles that use hybrid fuel are commonly
power. Such cycles are currently available in thecalled Dual Mode vehicles to avoid confusion with
market.typical hybrid vehicles. While some dual mode vehicles
Hybrid technology is also widely used in the case ofcombine electricity with a diesel engine, most
heavy vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles, buses, mobilecommonly, hybrid fuel is a combination of fuels mixed
hydraulic machinery as well as ships and railwayin the same tank. These fuels include gasoline, ethanol,
locomotives use hybrid engines in their technology.Methanol or Biobutanol.
However, the most popular use of hybrid engineThere are also hybrid vehicles that utilize compressed
technology can be seen in cars.air as a source of power. They are called fluid
Many different engine types can be used within thepowered hybrids.
hybrid technology. Perhaps, the most common of