Hybrids - What have they ever done?

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of conventional engines and electric motors in order to deliver improved fuel economy and/or increased power. The simplest way of thinking about them is as a second engine for your vehicle, and just that it’s electric. When this engine is working on its own it is not burning fuel. When it’s working with the vehicle’s normal engine, it is providing extra power. This means the normal engine can afford to be a bit smaller than it might have been as there is extra power when needed e.g. overtaking.So how do you stop it running out of juice?

Think back to the dynamo lamp on your old push bike. As you pedal you use some of that power created to illuminate the lamp. As long as there is more power being made than the light requires you had a nice bright beam. When you slowed or stopped it was gone. Hybrid cars are more sophisticated as they store the power that isn’t used leaving it spare for when it’s required. Not only does the hybrid get its power when the vehicle is on the move but also when it’s stopping. This is called regenerative braking. Here the electric motor provides resistance to the drive train causing the wheels to slow down. In return the energy from the wheels turns the motor thereby generating the electricity, which is stored until required.

Right, So I’d best buy a hybrid!
Well maybe. Again you need to consider your journeys. If you are travelling a lot in towns then maybe yes. The financial case is even more compelling in London and the congestion charge exemptions. However, many modern diesels now have extremely low Co2 emissions and mpg figures that hybrids can’t match at motorway speeds and long distances, making them a more practical choice.
Not just for cars
The best known hybrid vehicles are the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic IMA, Lexus RX400h and the Lexus GS450h and the Lexus LS600h. Interestingly all these cars’ hybrid systems work alongside a conventional petrol engine. Surely then it makes more sense to build them with diesel cars that have better fuel economy, thereby getting the best of both worlds? Well, you can with a van (or at least many vans) and, unlike cars, this is a system that can be fitted to existing vehicles.
Connaught engineering has pioneered a Hybrid bolt on product that can be fitted to transit sized vehicles. Recent tests have shown some significant savings. For more information visit www.connaughtengineering.com