In the debate between classic internal combustion engines and electric motors, hybrid cars are often undeservedly forgotten.
The first hybrid was created in 1901, and their mass production was carried out for almost 30 years. However, despite all their advantages, they could not supplant the market for gasoline and diesel cars.
Why this happened, what hybrids there are, what their advantages and disadvantages are – now we’ll figure it out.
Brief description
What is a hybrid car
How does a subsequent hybrid work?
How does a parallel hybrid work?
How does parallel-parallel hybrid work?
Why do you need a PHEV?
Why hybrids haven’t become popular
Why are few hybrids produced?
Future hybrids will have less
What is a hybrid car
Toyota Prius is one of the most popular hybrids in the world
As part of the concept of connecting all cars that use more than one source of energy for vehicles. As a rule, this is a gasoline and mechanical engine. Sometimes there are combinations with a diesel and electric motor.
The hybrid combines the main advantages of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, namely:
▶︎Large power reserve
▶︎ Possibility of refilling
▶︎ Maximum torque at any time
Besides this, Hybrids have low fuel consumption and are quieter. Let’s learn more about the features of hybrid cars from Search with Neuro.

Based on sources there may be inaccuracies
Features of hybrid cars are as follows:
• Compromise. Hybrids combine the advantages of vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and vehicles with a motor. (1)
• The ability to be powered by both electricity and conventional fuel.. For example, when moving around the city, when travel is difficult due to traffic jams and delays, use electricity sparingly. If the car can gain full speed, gasoline replenishment would be rational. (2)
• Recovery system. (1) (3) It allows the energy often generated when braking or decelerating a vehicle to be used to charge batteries. (3)
• Multi-level automatic protection system. Hybrid vehicle manufacturers provide protection against electrical damage. (1)
• Different types of work. (2) (3) In a hybrid car, the computer itself selects the most efficient mode. (2) For example, at low speed or when starting, the vehicle may run solely on the electric motor. (3)
• Increase in weight and dimensions. The use of two engines, a battery and control systems leads to an increase in the weight and size of hybrid vehicles. (3)
Features may vary depending on the specific hybrid model and how it works.
Link to answer in Yandex Search with Neuro
The world’s first hybrid car is considered to be Lohner-Porsche, created in 1901 by designer Ferdinand Porsche.
Lohner-Porsche
The car had two gasoline engines and two electric generators. Its production continued until 1905, and then everyone forgot about hybrids.
It was only in the late 90s that automakers began mass production of hybrid cars. Since then, the technology has developed greatly, resulting in several types of hybrids.
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How does a subsequent hybrid work?
One of the most popular sequential hybrids in the USA is the Chevrolet Volt.
In this case, the hybrid internal combustion engine is not connected to the wheels. Its torque powers only the generator, which in turn recharges the battery. The electric motor receives energy from the battery and drives the car.
In other words, the internal combustion engine is used to generate electricity, and only the electric motor is responsible for movement.
All Li Auto cars are serial hybrids.
The advantage of such hybrids is that they can only drive on electricityfor example, over short distances and at low speeds. But when more power is needed or the charging battery is discharged, the gasoline engine will turn on and perform the necessary work.
Subsequent hybrids became simpler in design, so they are often found in inexpensive models.
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How does a parallel hybrid work?
Volkswagen Golf GTE parallel hybrid
A parallel hybrid is a car in which both a gasoline engine and manual motors are connected to the wheels. They can drive the car together or separately.
For example, a mechanical engine can be used for starting from a standstill or at low speeds when fuel economy is most important. And the gasoline engine holds the maximum speed.
When braking, the electric motor operates in generator mode, replenishing energy through recuperation.
Another main difference: the gasoline engine cannot produce energy for the battery.
Thanks to their design, parallel hybrids can achieve greater fuel economy and better adapt to different driving conditions thanks to the presence of two driving engines.
A similar installation is found on many popular cars: Toyota Prius (some models), Honda Accord Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf.
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How does parallel-parallel hybrid work?
The latest generation Toyota Crowns are series-parallel hybrids.
From the name it is clear that this is a hybrid capable of operating in both continuous and parallel mode.
In this mode, the car will operate exactly like a serial hybrid. This is convenient in the city, where traffic speeds are low, so you can drive only with an electric motor and at the same time power the battery from the gasoline engine.
When the car requires more power, the parallel mode is turned on, and leave the internal combustion engine to operate the electric motor. Together they transmit torque to the wheels.
The car itself decides in which mode to drive depending on the conditions, speed and battery charge level.
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Why do you need a PHEV?
Range Rover Sport PHEV
Initially, the trick of the hybrid was that it did not require recharging from the network, although it had an electric motor and battery. Energy in this case is obtained from the internal combustion engine and recovery.
PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Its difference from a regular hybrid is that it can be charged from the mains. PHEV can be series, parallel or parallel-parallel.
Another feature of the PHEV lies in the large battery, by hybrid standards, of course. On one charge, the PHEV can travel 30-100 km, after which the gasoline engine is connected.
A battery comparable to electric vehicles cannot be installed in a PHEV due to the large number of other components and non-dedicated platforms.
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Why hybrids haven’t become popular
According to research firm Rho Motion, 4.1 million hybrids were sold worldwide in 2023. In the same year, 9.5 million electric cars were sold, a total of 90 million cars were sold.
Hybrids have many fans, including low fuel consumption and performance. But there are many drivers who prefer other types of cars.
Hybrid cars usually cost more than petrol or diesel versions. Hybrids are also more difficult to repair due to their complex design. Of course, this applies primarily to the electrical parts of the car and at high mileage, but this fact cannot be verified. The batteries themselves also require replacement. Usually, after 8-12 years.
Selling a hybrid car on the secondary market is more difficult, especially if the hybrid is a rare brand.
Well, besides connecting everything, not all buyers offer savings from a hybrid. But here everything depends on what the result of the car is, what type of hybrid and where and how the person is going to drive.
And in modern realities, the efficiency and environmental friendliness of hybrids can compete with electric vehicles. They are already outpacing hybrid sales, and there is hardly any such trend.
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Why are few hybrids produced?
Voyah Free is one of the most popular Chinese hybrids in Russia.
The low popularity of hybrids is partly due to the fact that fewer of them are being produced. Hybrids are more complex and better to design and manufacture than conventional cars, so budget hybrid cars are rare.
The same designs are hybrids, regardless of type, that are complex from an engineering point of view. Not every manufacturer can create a hybrid, and not all cars can be hybrids..
Automakers do not sell hybrids in all countries or only sell some models. Again, it all comes down to production. Since the company does not allow the production of many hybrids, they put them in those markets where there is demand. Most hybrids are sold in the USA.
Is an electric car in Russia profitable or not? How much does it cost to charge and is it generally convenient to drive around our endless
In many countries, people themselves are trying to buy fewer hybrids, pay subsidies and other benefits for electric vehicles. In Russia there are also bonuses for owners of electric vehicles, but in Russia they don’t mind hybrids.
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Future hybrids will have less
The industry is structured in such a way that electric vehicles are gradually replacing both classic internal combustion engines and hybrids.
While the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, the number of hybrids will continue to decline. This is due to the fact that manufacturers give preference to electric vehicles and initially develop them for only one type of engine.
The number of electric vehicles in Russia last year increased by 75% and reached 40 thousand.
In addition, modern hybrids use lithium-ion batteries, which are now in great demand all over the world. The situation in this area will not change dramatically in the near future, so manufacturers will allocate resources to produce energy for electric vehicles.
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Source: Iphones RU

I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.