How Hybrid Cars Work

How Does Plug-In Hybrid Electric Car Work

Plug-in hybrid electric cars (PHECs) use the special batteries to power an electric motor and to addition use fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine. We learn all pro plug-in hybrid electric cars in this article.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Car Construction

Main Components of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Car

How Hybrid Cars Work

An auxiliary battery is installed in the electric car, which provides the car with electricity to start the engine, turn on the traction battery, and is also a power source for car accessories.

There is also a charge port that connects the electric vehicle to an external power source to charge the battery.

The DC / DC converter is designed to convert high voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to low voltage DC power, which is used to operate automotive accessories and charge an auxiliary battery.

An electric generator is designed to generate electricity during braking. This electricity then goes back to the battery pack. Some cars are equipped with motor generators. Main motor generator function is regeneration and drive.

Electric traction motor is using power from the traction battery pack. Traction motor drives the vehicle’s wheels.

An exhaust system removes exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine through an exhaust system. A three-way catalyst is used to reduce engine emissions.

Fuel filler is a nozzle used to fill a tank with fuel.

The fuel tank is designed to store gasoline on board the vehicle until the engine needs it.

Onboard charger takes the incoming AC electricity and converts it to DC power for charging the traction battery. It monitors battery characteristics such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge while charging the pack.

The power electronics controller is designed to control the flow of electrical energy from the traction battery, the speed of the electric traction motor and torque.

The cooling system (thermal) is designed to maintain optimal temperature conditions of the engine, electric motor, power electronics and other components.

The traction battery unit is designed to accumulate and store electricity in order to use it in the future.