Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or self-charging hybrids, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric engine. These vehicles are designed to reduce environmental impact and improve fuel efficiency.
In the basic configuration of a hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine is coupled to an electric propulsion system. The electric engine can be powered by a rechargeable battery or kinetic energy recovery, known as regenerative braking, which converts the energy generated during braking into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
The main advantage of a hybrid vehicle is the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Since the electric engine supports the internal combustion engine, the vehicle can run on electricity for short journeys or during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the internal combustion engine and fuel consumption. In addition, the regenerative braking system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, helping to improve the vehicle’s overall efficiency further.
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