The Structure of Hybrid Cars - Essay Example

Did You Know the Structure of Hybrid Cars Basically, a hybrid car is a normal fuel efficient car that has two motors i.e. a gasoline powered motor and an electric motor. Electric motor The electric motor on a hybrid acts as a motor as well as a generator. It is very complex motor. For example, when it needs to, it can take energy from the batteries to accelerate the car as well as it can act as a generator to slow the car down and put the energy back into the batteries. Generator The generator is same like an electric motor, but the difference is that it only produces electrical power. It is used mostly on series hybrids. Gasoline engine Similar to traditional cars, the hybrid car also has a gasoline engine. However, the difference is in size. On a hybrid car, the gasoline engine is smaller and is used as advanced technology to increase efficiency by reducing emissions. Fuel tank It is the energy storage device for the gasoline engine. Gasoline has a much higher energy density than batteries do. For example, it takes about 1,000 pounds of batteries to store as much energy as 1 gallon or 7 pounds of gasoline. Batteries As fuel tank is the energy storage device for gasoline engine, the batteries in a hybrid car are the energy storage device for the electric motor. Gasoline in the fuel tank can only power the gasoline engine but the electric motor on a hybrid car can put energy into the batteries as well as take energy from them. Transmission The role of transmissions on hybrid cars is same as the transmissions on conventional cars. Some hybrids have conventional transmissions, like the Honda Insight. Other hybrids have different ones, like the Toyota Prius. Did You Know How to Build an Electric Car The simplest forms of self-propelled motorized transportation are electric cars. Its driving mechanism or engine is made up of a succession of batteries attached to an on and off switch that in turn is attached to an electrically operated motor. The wheels are driven by the electric motor, which thereby propel the car into motion. Generally the amount of energy is controlled by a complicated technique that goes into the motor and the gear system and further helps the wheels in a more capable manner. Some electric cars also have solar collectors that convert solar energy into electricity for slow recharge of the batteries. Here question arises: why should you bother with an electric car There are several reasons as its answer. Electric cars offer a curious driving experience with exceptional control as well as quick initial acceleration thanks to their low center of gravity. Even at lower speeds, it's almost continuous torque makes it easy to climb curbs, sharp turns and steep inclines. Further, the fuel cost is increasing regularly; therefore, use of electrically charged cars is an ideal choice. A simple electric car can be built in just two weeks. It is so fascinating and easy. Electric cars can even be built by anyone because these cars are very simple in overall structure. The main components are a simple frame, an electric motor, a car battery, basic wheels and an electric on and off switch. Although, the task requires some extra efforts as well but it becomes quite easy especially for those have a simple blue print, knowledge of electric currents and wiring and the parts to assemble them all together. Did You Know How Vehicle Size Classes Are Defined The size class for cars is based on interior passenger and cargo volumes as described below. The size class for trucks is defined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the weight of the vehicle and its carrying capacity. Fuel economy regulations do not apply to heavy-duty vehicles, so they are not tested. Cars Class Passenger and Cargo Volume (Cu. Ft) Two-Seaters Any (cars designed to seat only two adults) Sedans Mini-compact < 85 Subcompact 85 - 99 Compact 100 - 109 Mid-Size 110 - 119 Large 120 or more Station Wagons Small Read More