Types of Electric Hybrid Vehicles we regularly service at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

As drivers become more environmentally aware and look for a more economical, sustainable and efficient vehicle, owning a Hybrid is becoming more popular. While the initial cost is higher than a regular car, it’s the long-term savings that are attractive.

Mild Hybrids – What are they? How do they work?

A small capacity battery is connected to the starter motor and alternator system of a traditional petrol engine motor vehicle that allows it to shut down the internal combustion engine for short periods of time i.e., when stopped at the traffic lights or while coasting downhill, but still providing power to air conditioning, lights and audio.

Mild hybrids provide an additional reduction in fuel usage, especially in heavy stop-start traffic, and require no special maintenance or servicing.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Mazda CX-5, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Kia Sportage and Mercedes-Benz C200

Series Hybrids – What are they? How do they work?

This is the simplest drivetrain configuration. Only the electric motor provides power to directly to turn the wheels. The small petrol engine drives an electric generator that both charges a battery and powers an electric motor that moves the vehicle. They work in line with each other and this provides extended driving range.

A computer determines how much of the power comes from the battery or the engine/generator. Both the engine/generator and the use of regenerative braking recharge the battery pack.

The battery in a Series Hybrid is larger than a Parallel model so the purchase cost will be higher as a result. Series hybrids perform at their best during stop-and-go traffic, making them more cost effective to run than petrol and diesel engines.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: BMW i3 REX

Parallel Hybrids - What are they? How do they work?

These systems have both a combustion engine and an electric motor, connected directly to the wheels, that work together to generate power. They use a smaller battery pack than other Hybrids, relying on regenerative braking to recharge the battery. These hybrids are better suited for highway driving rather than the stop/start of city / suburban driving.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Honda Accord

Series-Parallel Hybrids - What are they? How do they work?

This is the most common variant of the Hybrid models incorporating both systems and increasing efficiencies. Again, like the Series Hybrid a larger battery is needed, plus a more advanced computer system to manage the extra complexities of running the 2 systems, making the purchase cost higher but reducing the overall running costs.

This design boasts a smoother transition between the 2 motors using a lean burning petrol engine which at low revs would normally lack a lot of power but combined with the electric motor becomes ultra-efficient.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kia Optima

Plug-In Hybrid - What are they? How do they work?

Know as a PHEV or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle primarily uses larger capacity batteries to power a stronger electric motor and another fuel source to power the (ICE) internal combustion engine.

It has 2 particular features – they can be plugged into an electrical outlet to be charged and can travel on battery power alone (approx. 30-80kms). For longer distances, when the battery is nearly depleted the car would automatically switch over to your (ICE) internal combustion engine. The battery can then be charged by regenerative braking or by your petrol engine while driving (this is not as efficient as plugging in).

A real plus for Plug-In Hybrids is that when in fully electric mode you experience emission-free driving, great for the environment and perfect for short commutes around your local area.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, Range Rover Sport PHEV, Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid

PHEV engine bay - This Outlander was receintly serviced at Blackwood Dyno Tune & service

PHEV underside view - This Outlander was receintly serviced at Blackwood Dyno Tune & service

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we are automotive service and repair experts, which includes all types of cars, whether they be hybrid, petrol or diesel vehicles. If you have any questions about hybrid maintenance prior to purchasing a new or pre owned car, call us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have!

And don’t forget, we are authorised to service all new cars which won’t void your statutory warranty.