Graham Hill Explains Serial & Parallel Hybrids

Wednesday, 31. August 2011

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Those people working on the development of electric cars are yet to run with my idea of replaceable batteries, in the meantime it looks as though we will have to go with the sort of technology that allows you to have a petrol engine in the car as well as the electric motor. However even this technology is split although both types are referred to as hybrids as they use both petrol and electricity. The first is called serial or ‘range extending.’ This is the type of setup installed into the Vauxhall Ampera. It provides primary drive to the wheels from the electric motor.

The petrol engine generates power which then tops up the batteries and in turn moves the car. The petrol engines are small and not particularly efficient but they are only there in case of an emergency.

The parallel hybrid, as you find in a Toyota Prius, is currently more common. This system utilises both the engine and the motor with primary drive coming from the petrol engine with the batteries being re-charged whilst driving. So there you have it, serial and parallel hybrids explained. By Graham Hill