
Hybrid Vehicles
"Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which uses energy stored in batteries. The extra power provided by the electric motor allows for a smaller engine. Additionally, the battery can power auxiliary loads like sound systems and headlights and reduce engine idling when stopped. Together, these features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance." (Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. If interested, please visit source for more good related reading!)
Reading Assignment
Read How Hybrids Work. Step through (and read) the animation--it's great!
Return to the Fuel Economy Guide Model Year 2017 and read the section on page 39, "Hybrid Electric Vehicles."
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Plug It In or Fill it Up!)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine.. Using electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time reduces operating costs and petroleum consumption, relative to conventional vehicles. PHEVs might also produce lower levels of emissions, depending on the electricity source.
PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles do. This makes it possible to drive moderate distances using just electricity (about 10 to 40-plus miles in current models), commonly referred to as the "all-electric range" of the vehicle.
During urban driving, most of a PHEV's power comes from stored electricity if the battery is charged. For example, a light-duty PHEV driver might drive to and from work on all-electric power, plug in the vehicle to charge it at night, and be ready for another all-electric commute the next day. The internal combustion engine powers the vehicle when the battery is mostly depleted, during rapid acceleration, or when intensive heating or air conditioning is required.
(Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. If interested, please visit source for more good related reading!)
Reading Assignment
Read Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles from fueleconomy.gov.
Return to the Fuel Economy Guide Model Year 2017 and read page 37, "Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles."
All-Electric Vehicles
"All-electric vehicles (EVs) use a battery to store the electrical energy that powers the motor. EVs are sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Although most U.S. electricity production contributes to air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes all-electric vehicles as zero-emission vehicles because they produce no direct exhaust or emissions. Because EVs use no other fuel, widespread use of these vehicles could dramatically reduce petroleum consumption." (Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. If interested, please visit source for more good related reading!)
Reading Assignment
Read All-Electric Vehicles from fueleconomy.gov.
Return to the Fuel Economy Guide Model Year 2017 and read page 34, "All-Electric Vehicles."
Read Emissions from Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles from the DOE.