What is a Hybrid Car?

Many Beckley shoppers are in the market for a fuel-efficient vehicle, which they can find when exploring our inventory of new hybrid models. What is the hybrid car definition? Hybrid by definition means that it has both an electric motor and gasoline engine that works together to offer excellent fuel economy ratings.

If you’re interested in a vehicle that’s best suited for your Huntington drivers without having to constantly stop at the gas station, consider a hybrid model at our Charleston dealership. Learn the hybrid car meaning, then explore our inventory for the model that’s right for you!

What Are the Types of Hybrid Cars?

As mentioned above, the hybrid car definition pertains to a vehicle’s powertrain that has both an electric motor and a gas engine. They both work together to provide maximum fuel efficiency. Before choosing the hybrid vehicle for your commute, it’s good to learn about the different types of hybrid vehicles. Let’s further explore the different hybrid powertrains below.

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid, which is the most common, means the electric motor and gas engine are connected to the same manual, automatic, or CVT transmission. These two power sources are blended to move the vehicle forward. 

Series Hybrid

Like parallel hybrids, series hybrids also have electric motors that are paired with a gasoline engine. How are they different? The electric motor is directly paired with the transmission, making it the only power source of the car.

Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in and hybrid vehicles are similar in that they have a gas engine and electric motor that’s connected to the transmission. Where plug-in models stand out is the increased battery packs that allow drivers to go farther on the electric motors alone. Driving short distances allows you to drive on pure electric power, then come home and plug in your vehicle to recharge the battery packs. As a bonus, when you run out of electric drive range, the gas engine kicks in and acts as if you’re driving a conventional parallel hybrid model. 

Explore Our Virtual Hybrid Inventory Right at Home! 

After learning the hybrid car meaning, we want to help you find the model that’s best suited for your everyday needs and budget. Between our competitive prices and new lease offers, you can rest assured that you’re in great hands with us. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive.