Technology Used in Hybrid Cars
The hybrid car technology uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. One of the power sources is usually electricity hence these vehicles are referred to as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The hybrid car technology uses a combination of internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors for operation.

The power sources in the hybrid cars may include

Electricity
Radio waves and EM waves
Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS)
Coal or Wood
Compressed or liquefied natural gas
Compressed air
Liquid Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Petrol or Diesel
Solar Power
Wind Power
Waste Heat from internal combustion engine

Need of Hybrid Car Technology:

With the increasing prices of fuel and gasoline, the need of substitute power sources for running vehicles resulted in the development of hybrid vehicle technology. These hybrid vehicles are fuel-efficient and cause less pollution. The hybrid cars have rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) along with some fuel propulsion source. Hybrid cars are generally designed to run on the combination of petroleum and electricity. These cars are called hybrid electric vehicles as the electric cells are used to power electric engines with internal combustion engine.

Advantages of Hybrid Cars:

Battery of the car is charged through kinetic energy generated via regenerative braking system
Fuel-efficient and causes less pollution
Cruise and move on small thrust
Combustion engine generates energy from electric motor

Hybrid Car FAQs:

How does hybrid car differ from normal car?

The hybrid car has two or more power sources to move the vehicle. Normally it uses electric motors and gasoline as the two power sources. It has electric cells to charge the battery. Initially, the engine is ignited by the battery source and car accelerates on the electric power. When it reaches certain speed, the electric engine is switched off automatically and gasoline engine is ignited, thus, saving gasoline required for gaining initial momentum of the car. Whenever the brakes are applied, the kinetic energy produced is transferred to the battery by regenerative feedback system.

Is hybrid car advantageous over ordinary car?

Hybrid vehicles are designed for greater fuel efficiency and less pollution. As the car initially uses electric motors for running, gasoline is not used at this time. The electric power required is generated from regenerative braking system. These vehicles will not cause much pollution and have increased fuel efficiency. Hence, it is always good to prefer hybrid car over ordinary cars.

Hybrid cars are built lighter in weight and designed aerodynamically for better speed. Some of the hybrid car manufacturers offer generous warranties of up to 100,000 miles. Though the prices of hybrid cars are high, they are much worth in the long run during its lifespan.

4 Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars just like the conventional vehicle have several disadvantages. These disadvantages are not easily realized since producers of hybrids promote the cars advantages and hide its negative features. Due to this, most car buyers end up in regret after buying a hybrid. Regretting the outcome of the car buying process is a result of failure to perform extensive car research before the actual buying process. In order to prevent this from happening to you, this article provides some of the existing disadvantages of hybrid cars that might help you decide whether to buy one or not.

1. Hybrid cars are expensive

The most prominent criticism about a hybrid car is its high market price. Hybrids are usually sold at higher prices. This is because these vehicles use advance technologies. Its batteries for example are powerful and expensive. Thus, the price of its battery contributes to the increase in the cars total price. In addition, producing the electric motor, the customized brakes, and the transmission of this car involves larger capital outlay.

2. Hybrid cars are heavy

Hybrid cars are heavier compared to gas powered cars. You can easily know this fact when you are able to conduct an extensive car research. The primary reason for the increased weight is hybrid cars use of heavy batteries and the additional electric motor. These components contribute to the cars weight.
This is one of the reasons why most hybrid car makers are gradually shifting into the installation of compact and lightweight batteries into their hybrids. For example, the Honda Insight Hybrid uses a lighter and more compact battery pack compared to the previously released Honda Civic Hybrid.

3. Hybrid car occupants are prone to electrocution

The powerful batteries installed on a hybrid became another source of criticism. The battery packs store relatively high voltages and this could possibly cause electrocution to the cars occupants in case of accidents. The batteries used in most hybrids can cause fatal shocks to both the drivers and passengers.

4. Hybrid cars are slower

When it comes to speed, hybrid cars are slower compared to the conventional ones. This is because hybrid cars use smaller engines for increased fuel efficiency. In addition to this, a hybrid car travels slower when shifted to electric mode. This is the reason why car owners with the passion for speed would not switch to hybrid cars.