What is a Hybrid Car?

If you’re dreaming of a stylish new fuel-efficient vehicle, have you considered a hybrid? What is a hybrid car, exactly? The hybrid car definition is a vehicle with an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Together, the electric motor and gas engines provide incredible fuel economy for your Reading drives. Learn more about the hybrid car meaning below with your friends at Springfield Mitsubishi - Reading, and then contact us for a test drive in one!

Types of Hybrid Cars

Now you know that the hybrid car definition is a vehicle with an electric motor and gasoline engine. In most hybrid cars, the motor and the engine work together to maximize fuel efficiency. Still, before choosing a hybrid vehicle for your Pottstown commute, you should be familiar with the different types of hybrid vehicles so you can make an educated decision.

• Parallel Hybrid – A parallel hybrid is the most common typed hybrid vehicle on Lancaster roads and beyond. Parallel hybrid means that the electric motor and gasoline engine are both connected to the same transmission. Parallel hybrids combine their two energy sources to power the vehicle.
• Series Hybrid – Series hybrid vehicles also have electric motors paired with a gasoline engine. The difference is that in a series hybrid, the electric motor is paired with the transmission and is the sole power source of the vehicle. The gasoline engine acts only as a generator for the electric motor. Its function is to provide power to the electric motor. 
• Plug-In Hybrid – A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is like a parallel hybrid because both the electric motor and gasoline engine are attached to the transmission. But, plug-in hybrids are special because they have increased battery packs which allow you to drive farther on the electric motor. You can drive short distances on just electric power, go home, and then plug the hybrid in (similar to an electric vehicle) to recharge the battery. The wonderful thing about plug-in hybrid cars is that if you run out of electric power, the combustion engine automatically kicks in and acts like you’re driving a parallel hybrid or conventional vehicle.

Find Your New Hybrid Vehicle at Springfield Mitsubishi - Reading!

Since we’ve answered the question, “What is a hybrid car?” are you ready to get behind the wheel of one? We’ve got you covered, from a pre-owned hybrid to a new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a certified pre-owned vehicle. If it’s not on our lot, you can use our vehicle finder service. Contact us today and let us know how we can be of service.