How Do Hybrid Cars Work

What does hybrid mean in a car?

We all know that hybrid cars are a great way to integrate your go-green tendencies into your everyday driving. They provide an eco-friendly option for getting around Orlando. Most of us also know that hybrid cars tend to be extremely fuel-efficient, saving you tons of money at the gas pump. However, exactly how do hybrid cars work?

Toyota of Orlando has answers for Central Florida drivers curious about this innovative type of vehicle. A hybrid car is a strategic mix of a gasoline-powered car and an electric car. While gasoline cars are convenient, they can entail higher fuel costs and more harmful emissions; on the other hand, while fully electric cars cut down on fuel and emissions, they aren’t exactly convenient, as they can’t travel long distances without needing a charge.

What does hybrid mean in a car?

The Orlando Toyota hybrid cars at our dealership utilize Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System technology. Taking a look under the hood, you’ll see an electric motor and gasoline engine. They work in conjunction to create that amazing fuel economy and cut down on emissions, while still allowing you to drive at the speed and distance necessary.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy a smooth, quiet ride, especially at low speeds. Orlando Toyota hybrids like the new Toyota Prius can actually sense how much power your ride requires, and will seamlessly switch back and forth between the electric motor, gasoline engine, and a combination of the two to get you where you need to be in the most fuel-efficient way.

How do hybrid cars work?

To better understand how a hybrid car works, let’s take a closer look at the renowned and iconic Toyota Prius.

The Toyota Prius is a parallel hybrid; this means it has a gasoline engine and electric motor that are separate from one another (unlike some other types of hybrids).
They can both run on their own. Toyota designed the Prius so that it would utilize electric power (which it stores in the battery) instead of gasoline power whenever possible.
When you’re at low speeds – like pulling out of the driveway or sitting in heavy traffic – you’ll be running off of the electric motor.
Once you start accelerating, hybrid cars requires more energy, so the electric motor alone won’t cut it.
- During light acceleration, this car will utilize both the electric motor and gasoline engine together to sufficiently power your car.
- When you put the pedal to the metal – otherwise known as full acceleration – you’ll utilize the gasoline engine.
Meanwhile, the battery is working overtime to supply drive power to the electric motor. When you start to brake or slow down, the gasoline engine cuts off to save fuel; since you’re still moving and producing momentum, the electric motor converts it into power to save for later in the battery.
When you come to a stop, your gasoline engine is still not in use, and you’re running off of electric power alone… then the process starts again with the green light.

Test drive hybrid cars at Toyota of Orlando

fuel efficient Toyota for sale As we discussed, the Toyota Prius can sense just how much power you need, so it effortlessly switches back and forth between gasoline and electric modes. However, you’ll never even know – the transitions are smooth enough to happen without any interruption to your drive time.

Additionally, this innovative Orlando hybrid car integrates a streamlined design to make it more aerodynamic, lowering wind resistance and helping increase fuel efficiency even further.

Our Toyota dealership in Orlando is proud to offer a huge variety of hybrid car options for you to put in the driveway, including:

Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius Prime
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Venza
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Plus, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia will be a hybrid as well. Toyota is committed to providing as many hybrid cars as possible in its lineup to give you the options you need.

Come down to our dealership today to take a look at all of the amazingly innovative Toyota hybrid cars we have to offer – both new and used. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road and we’re open seven days a week until 10 pm. You can also shop online or call for more info at (407) 298-4500!