Did You Know There Are a Few Types of Hybrid Vehicles? A Guide for those in Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training
Today, the automotive industry continues to make strides toward protecting the environment from gas emissions by creating new series of hybrid and electric vehicles. With so many innovative designs, any aspiring auto mechanic will have their hands full servicing the different types of hybrids in the market. Hybrids are designed to be fuel efficient, minimizing the use of gasoline, and are powered by both an electric motor and a combustion engine. Hybrid vehicles come in three forms: full hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
At ATC Surrey, hands-on hybrid technology training will prepare you to service, repair, provide general maintenance and more for the various forms of hybrid vehicles on the market.
Dig in to find out how these three hybrids operate!
After Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training, You’ll Notice Full Hybrids Are Most Common
When you start working in the field as an auto mechanic, you’ll notice that the most common hybrid cars dominating the market are full hybrids, also known as parallel hybrids. Full hybrids rely on both an electric motor and a combustion engine, working separately or in tandem, to gain power. Even though they’re the most popular model, full hybrids are equipped with smaller-sized batteries. Smaller batteries have less capacity for electric charge, and aren’t intended for long distances. After you complete your hybrid and electrical mechanic training, however, you’ll learn that what makes full hybrids fuel efficient isn’t the size of their battery, but their use of regenerative braking technology. Through regenerative braking technology, the small battery stores electricity, generated by kinetic energy obtained when the braking system is activated. However, driving long distances in a full hybrid requires the help of a traditional combustion engine.
The Less-Complex Mild Hybrids
Mild hybrid vehicles, similar to full hybrids, are equipped with an electric motor and a combustion engine. However, the difference lies in the operation of the vehicle, which is considered less complex than a full hybrid. Mild hybrids utilize their electric motor to assist with acceleration. Unlike full hybrids, mild hybrids are unable to run on electric power alone, but the electric battery is designed to attach directly to an engine or transmission, with the purpose of giving the vehicle a boost when accelerating. As a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, you’ll notice that mild hybrids also use regenerative braking systems, as well as stop-start technology that makes them fuel efficient. Through stop-start technology, mild hybrids use stored energy when stopping and going during heavy traffic or at traffic lights.
The Power of Plug-in Hybrids
You’ll be impressed with the power of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) compared to full and mild hybrids. PHEVs come with a larger battery that provides both longer battery life and increased range. However, in order to utilize these hybrids, they need to be charged (plugged-in) at a charging station. PHEVs are designed to maximize fuel efficiency, relying on the charge of the battery alone until its power is depleted and the maximum range is reached.
Once the battery’s charge is depleted, the gas combustion engine component kicks in to power the vehicle for the rest of the way. However, the combustion engine may also activate during acceleration or uphill movement. Despite this, plug-ins reduce the need for trips to the gas station, while making trips to the charging station more of a necessity.
Interested in a hybrid and electrical mechanic course?
Contact ATC Surrey for more information!
