What is a hybrid (HEV)?
A hybrid or HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is a motor vehicle propelled by two sources of power, one of which is electricity. Most HEVs are gas/electric hybrids such as the Toyota Prius. Generally, in order to be considered a hybrid, a vehicle must either be able to move using either power source, or supplement one power source with another. For example a Toyota Prius is a hybrid because it uses two drive systems, one electric powered and one gasoline powered, and can operate on either one. In comparison a diesel/electric locomotive, while it does combine both electric and diesel elements in its drive system, would not be considered a hybrid, because it cannot move without using the diesel engine to supply power. In a diesel/electric locomotive, the electric drive component actually represents a transmission rather than a power source.
Related Questions
- What Is The Difference Between A Conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), An Electric Vehicle (EV) And A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
- Why do we need a Nickel Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH) in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?
- Is a Hybrid Petrol-Electric Vehicle (HEV) better than a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) ?
