Types of hybrid engines. Hybrid car - saving money and caring for the environment. Hybrid Porsche Cayenne

The deteriorating environmental situation on the planet is forcing people to think about inventing environmentally friendly modes of transport. The idea of creating the most environmentally friendly car powered by electric energy has long excited the minds of scientists. Also, this idea has always been interesting to automakers.

Electric cars are not yet of high interest to the general public. However, hybrid cars, which combine an economical electric engine and a traditional internal combustion fuel engine, are becoming increasingly popular. This type of transport is economical because it runs on both hydrocarbon and electric traction.

In different road conditions, you can combine the use of two types of engines. For example, when in a traffic jam or when driving at low speeds, you can use an electric motor. It is more profitable to accelerate a car using a fuel engine.

Pros and cons of hybrid transport

Given rising fuel prices, the advantage of hybrid cars is their efficiency. According to statistics, hybrid cars have 25% lower fuel consumption than traditional fuel cars.

The next important advantage of hybrids is their environmental friendliness. Cars running exclusively on hydrocarbon fuels emit harmful substances into the environment even when the engine is stopped and idling. In a hybrid car, when stopped, the electric motor switches on and the fuel motor stops working.

Also, the advantage of hybrid cars is a large power reserve. The batteries are recharged while the fuel engine is running. Accordingly, when driving a hybrid on an electric motor, fuel is saved and the distance that can be traveled before the next refueling increases. Electric vehicles, unlike hybrid cars, do not have such an advantage.

When driving around the city, there are frequent stops and driving at low speeds during rush hours. In such situations, the hybrid automatically switches to electric mode. Most of the time when traveling in the city, the hybrid runs on electric power. Here we can highlight another advantage of hybrid cars - quiet operation.

Among the advantages of economical hybrids, one can also highlight the refueling method. Despite the combined drive method, hybrids are refueled only with combustible fuel, since the storage units for the electric drive are charged while the internal combustion engine is running.

So, the advantages of hybrid cars are:

· economical fuel consumption;
· environmental friendliness;
· increased power reserve;
· low noise level during operation;
Refueling with flammable fuel only.

Since nothing is absolutely perfect, hybrids have a number of disadvantages.

The first and most significant disadvantage is the cost of repairing passenger hybrids. In monetary terms, this is more expensive than traditionally equipped machines. The reason for this is the design of the engine.
Due to the fact that hybrid cars have not yet become widespread among the masses, it remains difficult to find qualified specialists capable of carrying out repairs. And this is also a disadvantage of hybrids.
The disadvantage of hybrid car batteries is their ability to self-discharge when left idle for long periods of time. In addition, sudden temperature changes are undesirable for them. As a result, the battery life is reduced. It is also difficult to dispose of used batteries, which are known to pose an environmental hazard.

To summarize this, we can briefly identify the following disadvantages of hybrids:

· high cost of repairs;
· difficulty in finding specialists for service;
· Features of battery operation.

As can be seen from the previous section, hybrid cars have more advantages than disadvantages. However, in Russia, economical foreign cars are not yet very popular. The main reason for this is their price. One of the popular hybrids in Russia is the Toyota Prius, which costs approximately 1,200,000 rubles. This is despite the fact that the economical Toyota is one of the cheapest hybrid cars.

There was an attempt to launch a domestic hybrid development called Yo-Mobile in Russia for the mass buyer. The price was planned to be around 350,000 rubles for a new car. However, the idea did not receive adequate support and the project had to be closed.

Unlike America, the Russian automobile market has a number of features. And it's not just about constantly changing fuel prices.

Road conditions have a direct impact on the quality of vehicle operation, and in Russia, as is known, this nuance leaves much to be desired. The climatic conditions of our region also have an impact. Sudden temperature changes make it difficult for batteries to function.

Despite all these nuances, hybrid cars find their use in Russia in such a business sector as taxis. For the most part, they replenish vehicle fleets offering services in the business class segment. The already well-known Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200h brands are used for taxis.

Features of purchasing hybrid cars on the secondary market

For many, the big question remains which economical hybrid car to purchase on the secondary market. In this regard, there may be more far-fetched fears spread among car owners.

When buying a used hybrid, you should find out the following points:

· whether the vehicle was operated without the use of combustible fuel;
· have there been long periods of downtime without recharging the main battery by starting the power unit;
· did you have to tow the car at a speed of more than 30 km/h?

In particular, the last point is of great importance for the Toyota Prius.

Despite the doubts of car enthusiasts about buying used hybrids, service station specialists claim that owners of this type of car are the rarest visitors to them. This indicates that combined transport confidently has high reliability indicators.

Rating of the most economical passenger hybrid cars of 2019

The popularity of hybrid cars is growing every year and shows excellent characteristics in terms of economical operation.

By many indicators, the leading positions in 2019 will be occupied by the following brands:

Toyota Prius;
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid;
Toyota Camry Hybrid;
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid;
Ford Fusion Hybrid;
KIA Optima Hybrid.

The leading sales position among hybrids is occupied by the Toyota Prius. Today this model can be bought in Russia. This economical hybrid has gone through many changes over its history.

The Prius has excellent performance characteristics. In 10 seconds the car reaches a speed of 100 km/h. Fuel consumption when driving around the city is 3.9 liters per 100 km. On country roads this figure drops to 3.7 liters. The maximum speed is 180 km/h.

Toyota Prius has electric and fuel engines, the power of which is 60 and 99 horsepower, respectively.

Low fuel consumption is also influenced by the appearance of the car. The streamlined shape of the car body contributes to low air resistance.

Inside the Prius, the driver can feel like he is in a slightly different reality. The console and dashboard seem unusual at first glance. The central computer itself selects the mode when it is better to start the electric motor and when to start the fuel one. The operating status of the power plants is constantly displayed on the dashboard monitor.

Manufacturers also guarantee the environmental friendliness of all interior finishing materials.

The pros and cons of this model were discussed in the previous article -

A dark horse

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was recognized as the most economical passenger hybrid car of 2019. Initially, the South Korean manufacturer positioned it as the main competitor to the Toyota Prius. And so it happened - Hyundai was recognized as the most economical car and won the palm. Although initially no one bet on it - it seemed impossible to overtake Toyota, especially for such a young company.

The front part of the body received a hexagonal radiator grille and narrowed headlights, native to many Hyundai models. Additional optics have taken a vertical position and are framed by a stylish bracket. The rear of the hybrid sedan was borrowed from its main competitor. Inside the cabin, the driver and passengers can expect high-quality finishing materials that are pleasant to the touch, and the design and arrangement of elements are pleasing to the eye. In addition, the convenience of their location allows you not to swear when using them.

The fuel consumption of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is:

4.1 liters – in the city;
4 liters - on the highway.

Such indicators were achieved thanks to the carefully thought-out aerodynamics of the car and innovation in approaches to model design. The cost of the basic configuration of this hybrid is from 1,435,000 rubles.

Reliability and trust

Next in the ranking is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This car seduces not only with its non-trivial appearance, but also with a special approach to engine design. Maximum fuel consumption can be reduced by making changes to the valves and pistons. The hybrid system also uses excess kinetic energy during braking to redirect it to recharge the electric battery. Thus, the resulting energy is subsequently spent on the operation of electrical appliances, which slightly reduces fuel costs.

It is also worth noting the fact that the Toyota Camry Hybrid has a reputation as a reliable and practical car. Therefore, this model takes its place not only from the point of view of efficiency. Although it is important to note that only the basic configuration of the Camry Hybrid is included in the rating (because higher trim levels have higher consumption). For this one it is:

4.6 liters – in the city;
4 liters - on the highway.

However, not without a fly in the ointment - the pursuit of efficiency led to a decrease in power. Therefore, the hybrid version lost 22 horsepower compared to its gasoline counterpart. And yet the Toyota Camry Hybrid has not lost its popularity. Its price tag starts from 1,790,000 rubles.

Green Savings

The placement of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid on the list of the most fuel-efficient cars was initially in doubt. This is due to the fact that the car eats to some extent more than its main competitors. And if in their case the consumption differs by tenths of a liter, then in Chevrolet it is significantly more. But that didn't stop it from becoming the most fuel-efficient hybrid in the United States. This economy model has gained popularity among buyers due to its environmental friendliness - emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere are minimal. Therefore, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid advantageously combines advantages for the owner and safety for the environment.

Also noted is the stylish appearance with a touch of elegance and the spacious interior of the car. This model is perfect as a family car. The convenience of staying inside also plays an important role. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid fuel consumption is:

5.5 liters – within the city;
4.8 liters - on a country road.

It also costs quite well, compared to its competitors - almost 1,800,000 rubles for the basic package. But the car more than makes up for its price tag thanks to its functionality and comfort.

Practicality and popularity

The most popular hybrids include the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The cars of this company have always been in high demand, and now the situation has not changed. Thus, a hybrid for taxis represented by this model has gained supporters due to its inexpensive cost, reliable service and willing purchase on the secondary market. For taxi drivers, the opportunity to save on fuel is worth its weight in gold. Therefore, a supported Ford Fusion Hybrid will allow you to save money twice – upon purchase and during further operation.

This model has a stylish appearance, a comfortable interior and suitable characteristics - excellent maneuverability, high dynamism, and enviable efficiency. Both outside and inside the car you will not find anything superfluous - everything is strict and presentable. In addition, the Ford company has been producing cars for many years; its enormous experience in this area has made it possible to create not just stylish, but also safe models.

Fuel consumption of the Ford Fusion Hybrid is:

5.7 liters – in the city;
5.5 liters - on the highway.

The price tag for the Ford Fusion hybrid model starts from 1,630,000 rubles.

Style and comfort

And the top five most economical hybrids of 2019 is completed by the KIA Optima Hybrid. This model can to some extent be called a budget car if you compare its cost with the price tags of its competitors. The exterior of the model has sporty elements, which, coupled with its severity and presentability, makes the car very attractive in the eyes of any age group. It is also worth noting the comfort of the interior - there is enough space inside, comfortable functional seats, high-quality and pleasant finishes, as well as the rich equipment of the car.

Buyers are offered two versions of the hybrid to choose from, both of which are fuel efficient and affordable.

Fuel consumption for the KIA Optima Hybrid is stated at:

just over 6 liters – within the city;
5.1 liters – when driving on the highway.

The price tag for the basic package starts from 1,677,000 rubles without taking into account the purchase of additional options and packages, which makes this car quite affordable. In addition, Kia products have been in high demand on the market for many years.

The best and most economical hybrid SUVs of 2019.

Mercedes-Benz GLC;
Toyota RAV4;
Nissan Murano;
Volvo XC90;
Lexus NX;
Kia Niro.

All-wheel drive with great design. Reliable suspension can withstand any off-road conditions.

Excellent dynamics allow the car to accelerate to a speed of 200 km/h. The combination of electric and fuel traction in the Mercedes GLC allows it to achieve a power of 320 hp.

Depending on road conditions, the GLC's fuel consumption is 2.7 liters per 100 km. Today, many experts call this model the best hybrid crossover.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

This brand is considered a universal machine. It can be easily driven in the city by engaging front-wheel drive. The power and dynamism of Toyota are provided by 197 “horses”. The consumption of this brand is 6 liters per 100 km.

A distinctive feature of this brand is the presence of three motors. In addition to the main internal combustion engine and electric traction, located in the front of the car, there is an independent motor at the rear. This design allows for all-wheel drive in the absence of a cardan transmission.

Many car enthusiasts appreciate this model for its all-wheel drive.

The Nissan Murano hybrid crossover is an all-wheel drive vehicle with a classic 4x4 formula. The Murano doesn't stand out in its segment with any special features. The QR25DER brand gasoline engine produces 230 horsepower. The electric motor adds power up to 250 horsepower.

Manufacturers indicate a maximum fuel consumption of just over 3 liters when the vehicle is used in mixed mode.

The Nissan Murano is an ordinary, reliable car without any obvious “zest” compared to its competitors.

Fans of safe and beautiful cars with excellent cross-country ability should pay attention to the Volvo XC90 hybrid. This crossover occupies a leading position in safety ratings.

The designers provided for the presence of various stabilizing systems, airbags and many other adjustment capabilities.

When driving in extreme conditions, the Volvo XC90 exhibits a confident ride, which is achieved due to its full-fledged all-wheel drive design. Also, the reliability of control is influenced by the excellent quality of the suspension design.

The XC90 engines produce a total power of 407 horsepower. Thanks to this indicator, this hybrid is rightfully considered a leader among its peers of this class.

Fuel consumption with such power fluctuates within 2 liters per 100 km. Such low consumption is achieved due to the electric motor, which is a recent development of Swedish engineers.

The car's excellent dynamics are ensured by an eight-speed transmission, in which gear shifting is easy and quick.

The Volvo XC90 is available in seven and five seat body styles. This hybrid crossover can safely be called innovative, purchasing which you can feel confident in any road conditions.

A worthy competitor to the Volvo XC90 among hybrids is the Lexus NX. Among its fellows, it is an excellent middle ground in terms of dynamic qualities, safety, practicality and a large power reserve.

Lexus's reliability is such that its owners have difficulty remembering any breakdowns. The interior of the hybrid is equipped with modern developments and is able to compete with any other car brand.

The NX is characterized by a high degree of cross-country ability, which is ensured by connected all-wheel drive. Lexus NX has an excellent level of interior comfort. Being, in fact, a car with premium qualities that not everyone can match.

Fuel consumption of the Lexus NX at first glance may seem uncompetitive and, depending on the engine configuration, can average 5.5 liters per 100 km in mixed operating mode. However, this drawback is covered by many other advantages unique to the Lexus brand.

An excellent budget car option for use in the city is the Kia Niro. The most affordable Niro is a shining example of the efforts of Korean engineers.

The Kia Niro hybrid is equipped with a gasoline engine with a capacity of 105 “horses” and an electric engine with a capacity of 45 “horses”. In some cases, the manufacturer may install a diesel engine. Fuel consumption at these figures is 5.5 liters per 100 km. Niro has excellent dynamic performance and easy handling.

Among the disadvantages of this model, one can note the presence of only front-wheel drive, while the 4x4 formula could give a higher cross-country ability.

Being a typical parquet economy class crossover, the Kia Niro is perfect for the city. After all, it is in these conditions that the hybrid engine can fully express itself. Controllability and comfort are ensured by the mass of various electronics.

Kia Niro will be an excellent option for those car enthusiasts who do not need to frequently travel outside the city.

Finally.

In an effort to improve the environmental situation, car manufacturers and governments are trying to encourage buyers to purchase hybrid cars. You can choose either a crossover or a sedan. For example, in the USA, tax incentives have been introduced for owners of hybrids, and free parking spaces are also provided.

Legislative changes regarding hybrids and electric vehicles will appear in our country in the near future. It is planned to significantly reduce customs duties on the import of such cars.

Be that as it may, internal combustion engines will gradually give way to electric traction. The emergence of hybrids is the first steps in this direction. A gradual reduction in prices for these vehicles will invariably lead to an increase in their popularity.

Rating of the most economical hybrid cars was last modified: (- A special group of cars, the main distinguishing feature of which is increased capacity, were called “minivans”. Car data...

- The inventions of the Japanese company Nissan are quite in demand in our country. The Nissan Qashqai crossover occupies a special place in the line of cars....

About hybrids and their types

Manufacturers of hybrid cars, in the fight for the environment and reducing fuel consumption, continue to look for alternative energy sources. As a solution to the problem, we can consider hybrid cars, which move not only thanks to the internal combustion engine, but also to the electric motor. Conventionally, all hybrid cars are divided into: soft, micro, moderate and full.

Micro hybrid scheme

Microhybrids– these are, in general, not quite hybrid cars, primarily because they do not have a second source of energy. Meanwhile, for them the electrical grid is much more important than for conventional cars, because it ensures the operation of the “green” start-stop system, which is very effective when caught in traffic jams and traffic jams, and energy recovery during braking. Thanks to the simple design of the start-stop system (an additional control unit, several sensors are added, as well as a reinforced battery, generator and starter), most automakers are addressing the issue of improving the environmental friendliness of their hybrid vehicles.

According to many experts, this type of hybrid car does not justify itself, since the fuel saved at stops is immediately wasted on starting the internal combustion engine. In addition, the system itself " Start-stop"Does not fit well with automatic transmissions and diesel engines.

The starter is very heavily loaded when starting the engine, so engineers have to use very powerful motors. The only thing left is the advantage of “micro” hybrids is low price.

Scheme of mild hybrids

Second group of hybrid cars– “soft” ones have a second engine – an electric one, used as an auxiliary energy source, since the car cannot drive solely on electricity. But the engine copes excellently with the functions of a generator and starter, powered by a high-capacity battery.

Hybrid cars have an electric motor installed between the main engine and transmission, which is why its functions are so modest. It provides additional power to the power plant during rapid acceleration, and recharges the battery, i.e. supplying it with excess energy occurs during leisurely smooth movement and braking. Today, “moderate” hybrid cars are produced by such automotive monsters as Honda (Insight), BMW, Mercedes-Benz (S-class) and etc.

Full hybrid scheme

The most advanced and expensive are “full” hybrid cars., allowing you to drive exclusively on electric power. It is possible to implement a “full” hybrid car in different ways: by improving the design of a “moderate” hybrid (Porsche, Volkswagen) or by developing an original design “from scratch” (Toyota, Lexus).

14 Hybrid cars in Russia that have become necessary

On Russian roads, hybrid cars are no longer exotic; you can see them more and more often. Based on the latest expert data, the number of gas-electric models reaches one and a half dozen.

The first in the line of hybrids is the Audi Q5 Hybrid, the gasoline version of which turned out to be damn successful, and the electric motor added almost a million rubles to the cost and considerable fuel economy.

The total power of the main two-liter TFSI engine and the electric motor built into the all-wheel drive transmission is 245 hp. The maximum speed of the hybrid car is 222 km/h, and the consumption per hundred kilometers is 6.9 liters.

After the Lexus GS450h, this is the second hybrid car belonging to the business class.

The electric motor and gasoline engine produce a total power of 245 hp, allow you to move at a speed of 250 km/h with an average fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per every 100 km.

A heavy car from Bavaria that stops at a gas station no more than once a week can compare with most supercars.

The power of the two engines of the hybrid car reaches 449 hp. The speed of this sedan is 250 km/h, acceleration to hundreds occurs in less than five seconds, and fuel consumption per hundred kilometers in city mode is 12.6 liters, outside the city limits - 7.6.

In Russia (if not in the world), this hybrid car is considered the most powerful. But it is far from the most voracious and expensive.

The engine capacity of the all-wheel drive hybrid car, like the previous model, is 4.4 liters, power – 485 “horses”. It can reach a maximum speed of up to 236 km/h, consuming 10.8/9.4 liters per hundred, respectively, in the city and outside it. It takes 5.6 seconds to accelerate to one hundred kilometers.

This hybrid car is the only hybrid “American” on the Russian market: huge, with a six-liter engine, chrome parts, it has the characteristics of a city hatchback.

The total power produced by the engines of the all-wheel drive vehicle is 337 hp. Fuel consumption in the city cycle is 12.4 liters, on the highway - 10.5 liters. The maximum speed, electronically limited, is 180 km/h, and it takes 8.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h.

The most affordable among Lexuses is the CT200h, the result of working on the mistakes (by the way, there were very few of them) made in several generations of the hybrid Toyota Prius.

The electric motor and 1.8-liter gas engine provide a total power of 136 “horses”, acceleration to “hundredth” occurs in 10.3 seconds, and the maximum speed is 180 km/h.

The new generation automobile hybrid, which is rapidly conquering the markets of different countries, has an electric engine and a 3.5-liter gasoline engine, which allow it to reach a speed of 250 km per hour and reach one hundred kilometers in 5.9 seconds.

At the same time, fuel consumption in city/highway conditions is 9.1/7.1 per 100 km.

The beautiful, economical, fast crossover Lexus RX450h is a pioneer among hybrid cars in its class, available in three trim levels, has a 3.5-liter gasoline engine and not one, but two electric motors, the total power of which is 299 horsepower.

Its main technical characteristics: fuel consumption - 6.6/6.0 liters in the urban cycle/extra-urban cycle, maximum speed of 200 km/h, and acceleration of 7.9 seconds to one hundred kilometers.

The Japanese hybrid car with a long wheelbase is the leader among all Lexus LS variants in terms of power, the most convenient, but also the most expensive.

The gasoline engine of the hybrid car is 5.0-liter, power is 381 hp, maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour, and gasoline consumption is 16.5 liters in the city and only 7.9 on the highway.

This is the only hybrid car in the Stuttgart line. It does not impress with its dynamics, does not have low fuel consumption, but is cheaper than any luxury hybrid sedan.

The power of the two engines is 299 hp. It is enough to drive at a maximum speed of 250 km and accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Gasoline consumption is 10.8/6.5 liters per hundred kilometers in the city and on the highway.

Quite large power of two engines – 380 hp. allows the all-wheel drive hybrid car to drive at a maximum speed of 242 km/h, accelerating in just 6.5 seconds to one hundred kilometers, while spending only 8.2 liters of fuel.

The four-door, economical new Porsche has rightfully earned respect and popularity among fans. But, compared to the hybrid “seven”, BMW turned out to be more expensive and slower (although the difference is a fraction of a second).

It is equipped with an electric and gasoline engine, the volume of which is three liters.

They are enough to drive at a speed of 270 km/h, spending only 7.6 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers in the city and a little less on the highway - 6.8.

The beautiful Toyota Prius, which every driver dreams of, is the best-selling hybrid car in the world, including Russia. If it were not for the high price, there would be many times more people wanting to buy a car.

The power of the dream car is 136 hp. The volume of the gasoline engine is 1.8 liters, consumption in the urban cycle is 3.9 liters per hundred km, in the suburban cycle it is 0.2 liters less. The car accelerates to hundreds in 10.4 seconds, and the maximum speed it can reach is 180 km/h.

Closing the line of “Russian” hybrid cars is the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, an analogue of the Porsche Cayenne, only cheaper by almost a million rubles. Do I need to add anything?

An all-wheel drive hybrid car with a three-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor drives at a maximum speed of 242 kilometers, consuming 8.2 liters per hundred kilometers outside the city.

Russian auto hybrids: price

Speaking about the cost of hybrid cars, everyone understands that it cannot be low. Especially for our fellow citizens, who will have to pay customs clearance, delivery and a lot of taxes. It is also clear that ordinary citizens are not yet able to afford such cars. But, for general development, you can inquire about their cost.

Audi price starts from 2,565,900 rubles.

The hybrid Lexus GS450h costs almost the same - 2 685 000 .

You need to pay twice as much for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 hybrid - more than five million4 999 000 ).

But the Lexus CT200h costs everything 1,236,000 rubles(a little less price for Toyota Prius - 1,189,000 rubles).

In contrast, the cost of the Lexus RX450h and Lexus GS450h is twice as much - from 2,970,000 Russian rubles And 2 693 000 accordingly, and for the Lexus LS600h L more than five times - as much as 5,924,000 rubles.

Almost the same price for the hybrid Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - RUB 4,700,000,
4,452,000 rubles,5,277,000 rubles.
The price of the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid are approximately the same: 3,240,000 and 3,400,000 rubles.

However, the Moscow authorities are interested in making sure that hybrid cars, the brands of which are listed and the new ones that should appear on Russian roads in the near future, are not rare guests, but familiar vehicles. Therefore, possible privileges for their owners are being considered, the possibility of their admission to public transport lanes, etc. is being studied.

A hybrid car is a vehicle that is equipped not with a conventional internal combustion engine, but with a so-called hybrid power unit. The main difference between hybrid cars is that vehicles of this type are driven by using several energy sources: thermal and electrical. In other words, a hybrid car has several types of engines on board that propel the vehicle.

As for the very concept of a hybrid engine, this term is mistakenly understood by many as a special power plant. In fact, a “hybrid” should be understood as several engines of different types, which are combined into a complex unified system for converting various energy sources into useful work. In the modern automotive industry, hybrid cars are equipped with two types of power units: an electric motor is paired with an internal combustion engine.

One of the first developments was a scheme in which each of the power plants is activated under certain conditions. If the car is idle or moving at low speed, then the wheels are turned by an electric motor. To accelerate and further maintain speed, a gasoline engine is connected. Subsequent development of technology has led to the fact that on hybrids there are several options for implementing the interaction of a conventional engine and an electric motor. Such interaction could be:

consistent;
parallel;
series-parallel;

Sequential interaction

The sequential circuit is reminiscent of electric cars, since the movement of the vehicle is realized through the operation of an electric motor. The internal combustion engine in this design is connected to a generator, from the generator power is supplied to the electric motor itself, and the battery is also charged in parallel. You can often travel about 50 km on a single charge of a lithium-ion battery with increased capacity. path, after which the internal combustion engine is activated, which extends the specified segment up to 10 times (about 500 km.)

Parallel interaction

Hybrids with parallel interaction of installations suggest the possibility of both separate operation of the internal combustion engine and electric motor, and simultaneous operation. This design is implemented by combining an electric unit, an internal combustion engine and a transmission using special couplings. Such hybrid cars receive a low-power electric motor, which not only drives the car, but also delivers power during acceleration. Often such an electric motor is a starter and a car generator, structurally occupying an intermediate position between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox.

Serial-parallel interaction

In this design, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are connected via a planetary gearbox. A feature of this implementation scheme is that each power plant can be turned on and off, while delivering a minimum or maximum of power to the wheels. Moreover, the specified power is supplied separately or simultaneously. This circuit design contains a generator that powers the hybrid electric motor.

The leader in the hybrid car market today is Toyota Corporation, which uses a series-parallel implementation called Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The electric motor, internal combustion engine and generator are combined into a common system via a planetary gearbox. The internal combustion engine produces a minimum of power at the “lower” range (Atkinson cycle), allowing you to save fuel. A hybrid car with such an interaction scheme assumes:

Economy mode of driving only on electric power with the internal combustion engine switched off, during which the electric motor is powered by the battery.
Maintaining a given speed by distributing the power of the internal combustion engine to the wheels and the generator, from which a parallel operating electric motor is powered. The battery is also recharged.
Mode of intense acceleration and heavy loads, when the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate in parallel. In this mode, the electric motor is powered by the battery, without taking power from the generator.

Operation of hybrids: destroying myths

Hybrid cars are a new product that have not been fully improved and have many shortcomings. This is a myth, since the Toyota brand has been engaged in full-scale mass production of hybrid models for almost 20 years.
Hybrids run out of battery power, which leads to problems. This is true, but only partially. In the initial stages of technology development, similar cases occurred, but today high-precision electronics do not allow the battery to be deeply discharged.
Hybrid cars break down more often and are expensive and difficult to repair. This is a myth, since hybrid cars are no less reliable in operation than conventional diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines. Most service stations comprehensively service hybrids on a par with conventional cars. Moreover, the gearbox in hybrids eliminates the presence of friction clutches, which makes such a transmission simple and reliable, which cannot be said about various types of automatic transmissions. As for internal combustion engines, the engine in hybrids often operates at low speeds and does not reach peak loads. If we also take into account the Atkinson cycle, then the engine life of a hybrid engine is much greater than that of a conventional engine.
The internal combustion engine of a hybrid has less power; such cars lose dynamics compared to their analogues. Yes, the power of internal combustion engines in hybrids is less, but due to the addition of an electric motor, the total power of the units significantly exceeds the power of conventional analogues with one gasoline engine.
The consumption of a hybrid car in practice is not much different from a conventional car. This is partly true, since the consumption rate of hybrid cars directly depends on the driving modes. To achieve maximum efficiency, you need to change your driving style to slow, calm and smooth, avoiding acceleration, active throttling, etc. In other words, pressing the gas pedal hard will command the control system to start the internal combustion engine.

The idea of saving fuel in hybrid cars is to drive on electric power for as long as possible with a charged battery at speeds of up to 60 km/h, which is often enough in dense city traffic. It is also necessary to add that the system takes into account a large number of factors: outside temperature, degree of heating of the internal combustion engine and, battery charge, movement downhill or uphill, etc. In different conditions, a hybrid can use an internal combustion engine, or can move only on electric energy.

The battery for a hybrid is difficult to find on the market, and the battery takes up a lot of space in the trunk of the car. This is a myth, since batteries for hybrids are always available for order in auto stores, and there is also a wide selection on various Internet resources. In terms of space, the battery takes up virtually no usable space in the luggage compartment.
You cannot put gas on a hybrid car. This is a myth, since global manufacturers produce equipment compatible with a hybrid car.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrids

Advantages of hybrid cars:

Noticeable reduction in fuel consumption. The fuel consumption of hybrid representatives is up to 30% lower compared to conventional cars. Burning less fuel at the same time reduced the toxicity level of hybrids. It turns out that hybrid cars are more economical and environmentally friendly compared to analogues that are equipped only with internal combustion engines;
Reducing noise during operation;
Long service life of brake system parts;
Hybrid cars, compared to electric cars, have a longer range and are versatile for daily use. The hybrid does not necessarily need to be charged from the mains; it can be filled with gasoline. After fuel combustion, part of the energy is collected in the battery, thanks to which the electric motor starts working. An additional power source for charging the battery is the conversion of the kinetic energy of a moving car into electricity;
Hybrids also have a number of design solutions and auxiliary systems for great savings and reduction of harmful emissions: start-stop system, etc.

The disadvantages of hybrid cars include a high initial cost, as well as some difficulties in repairing and servicing these models. Another disadvantage is the possible critical discharge of the battery and its rapid failure due to large temperature changes.

Rating of hybrid cars 2018-2019

The modern car market offers a large selection of hybrid representatives. Choosing the right vehicle among all the variety is not easy. We present to your attention the top hybrid cars, among which you will find representatives of most of the world's brands.

Best Hatchback Hybrid Car – Chevrolet Volt Hybrid

Chevrolet Volt Hybrid. This car is a front-wheel drive four-seater hatchback. The main advantage of this model is that electric motors with a power of 149 hp. enough for 60 km when driving around the city, without fuel consumption and maintaining performance. However, the big disadvantage of the Chevrolet Volt is its high cost.

If you're interested in the future of this and other vehicles from this brand, we recommend checking out the latest Chevrolet news.

One of the best hybrid cars - Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion Hybrid. This car has a well-designed sporty shape and a spacious interior. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has a four-cylinder 2.5-liter hybrid engine. This is a good option for an electric car with a hybrid engine if you want to buy an affordable car and save fuel in the future. It can be called a mid-size sedan for the whole family.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is equipped with electric power steering, multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar - the car handles skids well. The hybrid's handling is stable. Thanks to the suspension, shocks are muffled, and the movement of the car is controlled by the driver.

One of the best hybrid sedans - Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota Camry Hybrid. This model not only provides good fuel economy, but also has a high level of safety. The car has an attractive design, 2.5 liter engine capacity and high technology. The cabin uses high-quality materials that give the interior comfort. Toyota Camry accelerates from zero to one hundred kilometers in 7.4 seconds, which is an excellent result for a hybrid car. The car's official fuel consumption is 4.4 liters per 100 km on the highway and 4.6 liters in the combined cycle.

Best Hybrid Estate – Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The hybrid setup includes a 2.4-liter diesel engine producing 215 hp. and a strong electric motor, which is enough for about 50 km of movement. It is important that the car has an all-wheel drive function: when you press a key on the control panel in the cabin, the electronics synchronize the action of the engine and electric motor to simultaneously rotate the wheels.

The legendary Japanese hybrid – Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius. This model is known as an economical hybrid car at an affordable price, therefore it is in high demand. The hybrid is equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with a power of 98 hp. Together with a pair of electric motors, the power reaches 134 hp. In the city, the car consumes approximately 8 liters of fuel, and outside the city - 5.5 liters.

The operating principle of the car determines a high level of control automation. The on-board computer independently regulates engine operating parameters, ensuring optimal battery charge.

One of the best hybrid cars 2018-2019 – Honda Insight III

Honda Insight III. This is a front-wheel drive hybrid sedan that combines solid design, modern technical solutions and rich equipment. This car is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors. Total power is 153 hp. It should be noted that one motor closely interacts with the internal combustion engine and plays the role of a generator, and the second rotates the axle wheels at low speeds. At high speeds the petrol engine is switched on. Thus, a significant part of the time the car is driven by an electric motor.

In order to have the latest information about this and other cars of this brand, we recommend that you read the automobile news from Honda.

The most economical hybrid car in terms of fuel consumption – Hyundai Ionid Hybrid

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The basis of the car is a new platform. It is planned to produce many hybrid and electric cars on its basis in the future. The new Hyundai has an engine capacity of 1.6 liters and a total power of 141 hp. To assist the driver, two operating modes are provided – Sport and ECO. The car accelerates to 100 km in 10.8 seconds. This is the most economical hybrid car. The maximum speed of the model is 185 km per hour, and the consumption is approximately 3.4 liters. The car has the most balanced suspension, tuned steering and an almost silent interior.

Comfortable American hybrid – Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. This is a large, comfortable and roomy sedan that has an expressive design and a well-designed interior with modern technology and rich equipment. According to experts, the car is well suited for those customers who like free space. The hybrid installation includes a 1.8 liter engine and a pair of electric motors. The average fuel consumption of this model is 5.2 liters per 100 km. The car is equipped with ten airbags and a rear view camera, which makes it safer.

TOP hybrid SUVs

Best Hybrid SUV – Lexus RX 450h

Lexus RX 450h. This is a reliable crossover that has a high-quality and durable build. Externally, this model is not much different from its predecessors. But he has elements of individuality. The crossover is equipped with head optics with LED filling. In addition, a sports body kit is available for this car. Thanks to it, the appearance of the hybrid becomes more aggressive. The car interior is made of genuine leather in light and dark colors. This model has a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. The total output of the hybrid power plant is 299 hp. Lexus can accelerate to 100 km per hour in 6-7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 9-10 liters per 100 km. This car rightfully claims a place in.

Korean hybrid crossover – KIA Niro

The attitude of the domestic population towards hybrid cars is ambiguous. One part of car enthusiasts welcomes hybrid new products and pays special attention to them as to our planet. The second part of car enthusiasts retells to each other a lot of legends regarding the performance properties of hybrids, without having solid facts that would confirm the veracity of these myths. In this article we will try to understand in detail all the details that relate to the operational properties of this type of car. Also, using a comparative analysis, we will find out which hybrid car is better.

Energy-saving technologies are the way to save money

One of the main problems that concerns humanity is the preservation of the environment. Reducing exhaust emissions from cars helps solve this problem. Particularly effective measures to preserve the environment are given by methods that are economically beneficial to consumers. For economic reasons, the consumer buys environmentally friendly products and thereby saves the environment. The policies of the world's leading countries are aimed at reducing excessive consumption of energy resources, and overall, it is more profitable for the consumer to use energy-saving technologies.

Hybrid cars have a great future

In recent years, car manufacturers have seen a bright future in hybrids. Almost every world-famous manufacturing company has begun to develop and launch its own models of hybrid cars. Honda and Toyota were pioneers in this industry. Currently, there are a huge number of models of hybrid cars, which allows you to make a choice for every taste and select a model for certain operating conditions.

The demand for hybrid car models is gradually but confidently growing, which allows experts and analysts of the automotive market to predict further growth in the production and sales of hybrids. Another reason why car enthusiasts are increasingly giving preference to hybrids rather than internal combustion vehicles is the increase in state duties on car models with large engine capacities.

What is a hybrid car

It is commonly called hybrid, in which the power unit has two energy conversion technologies, and not one, as in traditional models. Most hybrid models combine an internal combustion engine and an electric one. But hybrid car models are different. Using some technologies, both engines jointly drive the wheels, others provide for only one motor to be connected to the wheels, the second simply transmits energy.

Video about how a hybrid car works:

Another technology is that the driver, at his discretion, turns on one or another engine, depending on the needs and the current situation.

This option is most common among the world's leading automobile manufacturers. A car equipped with this technology has a number of advantages. The driver can turn on the electric motor in situations in which fuel consumption increases significantly. In the urban cycle, especially in traffic jams, the internal combustion engine. Its power in such a situation is not particularly important, because the car does not drive at high speed and does not require dynamism. In this case, it is advisable to turn on the electric motor. This will help you save a lot.

Now let's try to consider the advantages of hybrid cars.

High price - an advantage that pays off in several years

The price of cars increases not only depending on the quality of the equipment, but also on the size of the car. After all, it is much cheaper to equip a small vehicle than a large car. The larger the car, the more fuel it consumes - that's a fact.

For people who use a car only to travel to and from work, buying this kind of car may not be economically feasible, because after five or six years the car owner may want to buy a new car. For motorists who use a vehicle to earn money, the economical version is suitable, it will pay for itself in just a few years, and in the future will allow the owner up to 50% in urban driving. The Toyota Prius C is perfect for this kind of driving.

Low power is the path to high savings

Let's take a closer look at the Toyota Prius C. Most car enthusiasts claim that this model is very slow. Yes, this is true, but the car does not have high dynamic characteristics in order to achieve more efficient savings. During the urban driving cycle, special power from the car is not required. Let us remember that many modern car models with internal combustion engines have an economical mode, which is designed to further save fuel, for example. Toyota Prius C, on the contrary, has a “powerful” mode, in which the car becomes much more responsive to the driver’s actions.

If you pay attention to the more powerful models of hybrid cars, we can state that they are almost in no way inferior to their gasoline counterparts. Take, for example, the Lexus GS450h, which has high dynamic and. The 338 horsepower engine allows the driver to feel real speed. For lovers of dynamic driving, the designers have provided car owners with the Sport S mode.

Recently, even Porsche presented to the public the Panamera S sports hybrid sedan, which reaches speeds of up to hundreds in just 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 270 kilometers per hour, and this with a fuel consumption of only 10 liters per hundred kilometers in the urban driving cycle. It seems to us that such dynamic and speed characteristics are sufficient even for cars with an internal combustion engine.

Weird looks are a thing of the past.

The times when hybrid cars had a rather strange, and in some cases funny, appearance are long gone. Now, car manufacturers are trying to design hybrids to match gasoline models. That is, the hybrid will look like the gasoline version. This applies, first of all, to the Toyota Camry. Other car manufacturers create hybrids that feature unique exterior designs. For example, the updated Ford Fusion has a delightful design and is reminiscent in appearance.

Hybrid cars aren't just for city driving

The first models of environmentally friendly cars were adapted exclusively for urban conditions. Domestic car enthusiasts cannot forget this fact. Most of them still believe that hybrids are only suitable for city driving, but this is not the case. Technological progress does not stand still for a minute. Developers of electric motors are constantly working to improve them. Batteries can now hold a charge much longer than they could just a few years ago, and new electric motors can reach quite high speeds. A striking example of this is the updated Ford Fusion, which has all the necessary characteristics for long intercity trips.

It can travel up to one hundred kilometers using only the electric motor, and given the fact that when completely discharged, you can connect a gasoline engine - this is excellent performance for a hybrid.

The best hybrid cars

What is the best car today? There is no clear answer to this question. We would like to highlight three of the best, in our opinion, hybrids.