Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

Hybrid vehicle design combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, and recaptures energy through regenerative braking. Hybrids use the gas engine to charge and maintain the battery. Adding electric power can boost performance and saves gasoline consumption as they work together for efficient energy production. If you own a hybrid car, you no doubt enjoy a quieter ride and money shaved off your gas budget. If you are shopping for a new vehicle and considering a hybrid purchase, here are three designs to be aware of.

The most common design that blends and connects the two power sources through the transmission. Lift the hood on one of these vehicles and you will see a standard gas engine placed alongside an electric motor and battery pack. You don’t plug in or charge the battery pack. Battery charge is delivered via regenerative braking and coasting by capturing energy that’s normally lost to heat. Hybrid batteries have a limited lifespan with [usually] an eight year or 100K mile warranty. Since hybrid vehicles can’t run without the battery, a new one has to be purchased periodically, which can make vehicle maintenance expensive. Fortunately, technology continues to evolve as markets open to new battery designs that are more resilient to wear and less expensive.

In this design, there is no mechanical connection between the engine and wheels, and the electric motor provides all the thrust. The gasoline engine recharges the battery, so no need to plug in to a charging station. Series hybrids produce smooth quiet driving and powerful acceleration with less vibration when the gas engine engages to charge the battery.

These vehicles have a larger battery pack that must be recharged with an external electricity source such as a public charging station. They store larger amounts of energy in their batteries and require significantly less gas to run. If the battery is depleted, the car reverts back to being a conventional parallel hybrid.

Stay tuned for new variations in hybrid vehicle and battery design coming soon.

Questions about car batteries?

We have two locations in Kamloops to serve you better, who remain open for business following precautionary measures to keep customers and staff safe. Don’t forget to check your battery charge before winter temperatures dive below zero, and remember all batteries eventually need replacement. To make an appointment with one of our auto technicians, phone AutoPro Alignment & Maintenance on 2063 E Trans Canada Hwy – service advisor Nicole at: (250) 374-8787 or T & H AutoPro 130 Wilson Street – service advisor Gena Caputo at (250) 554-3444. We look forward to serving you.