## **Are hybrid cars started with a combustion engine or compression?**
Hybrid cars utilize a combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The starting mechanism, however, varies depending on the specific hybrid system employed. Let’s delve into the different types of hybrid cars and their respective starting procedures:
**Types of Hybrid Cars**
**1. Parallel Hybrids:**
* Most common type of hybrid
* Features a gasoline engine and an electric motor connected to the transmission
* Both the engine and motor can power the wheels independently
**2. Series Hybrids:**
* Less common than parallel hybrids
* Exclusively uses an electric motor to drive the wheels
* The gasoline engine serves as a generator to charge the battery that powers the motor
**Starting Mechanisms**
**1. Parallel Hybrids:**
* **Cold Start:** When the vehicle is cold, the combustion engine is usually used to start the car.
* **Warm Start:** If the engine is warm or the battery has sufficient charge, the car can start using the electric motor, without engaging the combustion engine.
**2. Series Hybrids:**
* The combustion engine is never used to start the car.
* The electric motor draws power from the battery to start the vehicle.
**Additional Considerations**
**1. Battery Charge:**
* The starting mechanism can also be influenced by the battery charge level.
* If the battery is depleted, the combustion engine may be used to start the car, even in a parallel hybrid.
**2. Driving Mode:**
* Some hybrid cars offer different driving modes, such as “EV Mode” or “Hybrid Mode.”
* In EV Mode, the car exclusively uses the electric motor, eliminating the need for the combustion engine to start the vehicle.
**3. Regenerative Braking:**
* Hybrid cars often utilize regenerative braking, which recovers energy during braking and stores it in the battery.
* This stored energy can be used to assist in starting the car or powering the electric motor.
**Conclusion**
Hybrid cars employ various starting mechanisms depending on their specific design. In parallel hybrids, the combustion engine is typically used for cold starts, while the electric motor can start the car under certain conditions. Series hybrids exclusively use the electric motor for starting. Ultimately, the starting procedure is influenced by factors such as battery charge, driving mode, and regenerative braking capabilities.
