HYBRID VEHICLES Meaning and
Definition
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Hybrid vehicles are a type of vehicle that combines two or more power sources to provide propulsion. These power sources typically include an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The combination of these two power sources allows for increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional vehicles that solely rely on an internal combustion engine.
Hybrid vehicles utilize various technologies to optimize the performance and efficiency of both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. One commonly used technology is regenerative braking, where the energy produced during deceleration is captured and stored in the vehicle's battery. This energy is later used to power the electric motor and reduce the load on the internal combustion engine.
The operation of hybrid vehicles is usually controlled by sophisticated electronic systems that seamlessly manage the transition between the combustion engine and the electric motor. These systems automatically identify the most efficient power source and switch between them accordingly, based on the driving conditions and power demands.
Hybrid vehicles provide numerous benefits, including increased fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs. They are particularly advantageous in stop-and-go traffic situations, as the electric motor can power the vehicle during slow speeds, reducing the reliance on the internal combustion engine.
As technology advances, hybrid vehicles continue to evolve, with improvements in battery capacity, power efficiency, and range. This progress is driving the adoption of hybrid vehicles as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Etymology of HYBRID VEHICLES
The word "hybrid" originated from the Latin word "hybridus", which means "an offspring of two different species". It was originally used in biology to describe the offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two different species or varieties. The term "hybrid" was later adopted in the automotive industry to refer to vehicles that combine two or more different sources of power, typically an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. "Vehicles" is a word of Latin origin as well, derived from the Latin "vehiculum", meaning "a means of transport". Therefore, "hybrid vehicles" describes cars that utilize two or more distinct power sources for propulsion.
