What is a Hybrid Car?

As more Lawrenceville switch to eco-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle options, we get a lot of questions about the hybrid car meaning. What exactly is the hybrid car definition? A hybrid vehicle is one with both an engine and an electric motor that work in concert to power the vehicle into motion, providing significantly increased fuel efficiency compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s better for the environment and will save you money at the gas pump, a hybrid car could be right up your alley. Continue reading as we go over the different types of hybrid cars, then feel free to check out our hybrid and electric car inventory to see what piques your interest.

Types of Hybrid Cars

According to the hybrid car meaning, a hybrid contains an electric motor and combustion engine that work together to increase fuel economy. However, there are different types of hybrid vehicles with varying benefits, as you can see below:

Parallel Hybrid

Parallel hybrids are the most prevalent hybrid on the Lawrenceville streets. In these hybrids, the gas engine and electric motor connect to either an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission and work in tandem to propel the vehicle.

Series Hybrid

In a series hybrid, the electric motor is solely responsible for propelling the vehicle, and it also has a battery and a gas motor that powers a generator. The electric motor, gas generator, and regenerative braking system all work together to recharge the battery, making this vehicle ideal for stop-and-go traffic. Series hybrids typically house smaller engines since the engine doesn’t have to deliver power to the wheels.

Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids are the newest type of hybrid vehicle, and they’re making quite a splash on the market. As the name suggests, you plug these cars in to recharge your battery, and these cars can drive farther on battery power than parallel hybrids. When the battery does run out of power, the gas engine will kick in and propel the vehicle. Most plug-in hybrids provide enough range on a full charge to handle your daily commute, allowing you to minimize gasoline consumption. These vehicles are the closest thing to an all-electric vehicle. It’s worth doing some EV research to see how they differ from hybrids.

Find the Right Hybrid for You at Mercedes-Benz of Princeton!

If you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicle, contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Princeton to get the buying process started. You can also apply for financing online and get approved for your new vehicle in just a few minutes!