How to use a hybrid car?

[VistaXP]

Hi, I don't know anything about how a hybrid car works so I have a couple questions.

1. Could it run only on gas or electric or does it require both to operate?
2. How and where does the car recharges electric? How often?

I know these questions are rather obvious to some but I really am interested in how these things work.

Thanks.

[Black Yaris]

you realize the Yaris is NOT a hybrid, right?

[Ferret_san]

I had a hybrid car once. It came with a Redhead, a Blonde and a Brunette !

Umm. back on topic, a quick google fond these links. Not sure if they are of relevence or not. My personal favourite is the last link

How Hybrid Cars Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm

How to Drive a Hybrid Car for Maximum Fuel Economy
http://www.motherearthliving.com/iss...Car_104-1.html

Ten Tips to Maximize Your Hybrid’s Fuel Efficiency
http://www.activehybrid.com/Ten-Tips...fficiency.html

Driving Tips to Extend Mileage
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f...-mileage-9737/

Gas Mileage Tips for Hybrid Cars
http://www.hybridcarsmoney.com/Tips_...brid_Cars.html

Hybrid Cars Blog
http://www.hybrids.cc/blog

Tips for Drivers of Hybrid Cars
http://www.hybrid-auto-info.com/hybr...ving-tips.html

My replacement for a Hybrid
http://www.fpv.com.au/index.aspx

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by VistaXP

Hi, I don't know anything about how a hybrid car works so I have a couple questions.

1. Could it run only on gas or electric or does it require both to operate?
2. How and where does the car recharges electric? How often?

I know these questions are rather obvious to some but I really am interested in how these things work.

Thanks.

The Yaris is not a Hybrid as said before...

Here is the general knowledge I have about hybrid. There are two hybrid systems in the car market right now. Mild and full hybrid. So far it seems Toyota is the only one to have a full hybrid applied to a practicle car.
Full hybrid is where the car can run on an electric motor for a given time and speed, then the gas kicks in. When you floor it both work together.
Recharging is complicated I don't know about that too much...I know regenerative breaking helps regenerate the electric motor. There are tests by Toyota and other companies to have plug in hybrids...but that is still in development...

A mild hybrid is where the electric can't work on its own or propel the car on its own like a full hybrid, what it does is when the vehicle is at a full stop it runs on electric, saves fuel and emissions but when the car starts the gas kicks in...so its not as advanced as a full hybrid which does similar things but better and more elaborate.

Here is a link to help you.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car2.htm

[fat like reflexes]

i have a hybrid. it's a Humscalade - half Hummer, half Escalade.

[Black Yaris]

Originally Posted by fat like reflexes

i have a hybrid. it's a Humscalade - half Hummer, half Escalade.

I get a kick out of your user name every time I see it

could also be called an Escalummer

[Ferret_san]

Originally Posted by fat like reflexes

i have a hybrid. it's a Humscalade - half Hummer, half Escalade.

What wonders are stored in Google....

[JBIZZ]

I've heard that the battery in a hybrid needs to be replaced every three years or so. The cost of these batteries, I believe is between $1,500-$3,000. For that amount of money it would probably be cheaper to own a Yaris. If one is an extreme environmentalist then the added cost of owning a hybrid would probably be worth it.

[VistaXP]

Originally Posted by JBIZZ

I've heard that the battery in a hybrid needs to be replaced every three years or so. The cost of these batteries, I believe is between $1,500-$3,000. For that amount of money it would probably be cheaper to own a Yaris. If one is an extreme environmentalist then the added cost of owning a hybrid would probably be worth it.

I just read a Wiki article that states the battery pack can last from 8-15 years.

Anyway, so cars like the Prius and Civic Hybrid don't have anything to plug into, it automatically recharges itself?

[VistaXP]

Originally Posted by Black Yaris

you realize the Yaris is NOT a hybrid, right?

Just realized I posted in the wrong section. Feel free to move it to off-topic/other cars...

[VistaXP]

I just found this video on youtube

It solved most of my questions.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vc3pj-7emvY