Explain why a hybrid vehicle is more efficient than a vehicle powered only by an internal combustion engine.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

HEVs are more efficient and emit fewer emissions and use less fuel than ICEVs because:
• The gasoline engine can be smaller for the same level of vehicle performance because there is electric motor assist.
• The propulsion system can be optimized to allow the engine to run at its most fuel-efficient range of speed.
• The engine can be shut off while the car is stopped at traffic lights, decelerating, or moving at low speed.
• The regenerative braking captures and recycles much of the energy used to accelerate the vehicle.