17) Hybrid Structure
courtesy - how stuff works.com
You can combine the two power sources found in a hybrid car in different ways. One way, known as a parallel hybrid, has a fuel tank, which supplies gasoline to the engine. it also has a set of batteries that supplies power to an electric motor. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time, and the transmission then turns the wheels.

In parallel hybrid  the fuel tank and gas engine connect to the transmission. The batteries and electric motor also connect to the transmission independently. As a result, in a parallel hybrid, both the electric motor and the gas engine can provide propulsion power.

In a series hybrid the gasoline engine turns a generator, and the generator can either charge the batteries or power an electric motor that drives the transmission. Thus, the gasoline engine never directly powers the vehicle.

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Learn more about hybrid cars:

Hybrid Car Technology

Toyota Hybrid Prius

Toyota Hybrid Highlander

Lexus Hybrid RX 400h

Ford Hybrid Escape

Honda Hybrid Accord

Honda Hybrid Insight

Honda Hybrid Civic

       
http://www.hybrid-car-central.com