What Is a Hybrid Car?

If you’re in the St. Charles auto market searching for a new fuel-efficient car, you might be curious to know what a hybrid car is as well as the hybrid car definition. But, what is a hybrid car meaning? Well, a hybrid car is a vehicle with an electric motor and a gasoline engine. With this hybrid car definition, it shares how the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to give St. Louis drivers the best fuel economy possible. To learn more about the hybrid car meaning, read on with Suntrup Automotive Group in St. Louis, and then check out more specials and incentives we offer to help you save.

Types of Hybrid Cars

Within the hybrid car definition, it states that the vehicle’s powertrain is powered by a gas-powered engine and an electric motor. Even though most hybrid cars utilize the electric motor and gasoline engine, there are still a variety of hybrid vehicles available near Fenton. Let’s take a closer look at the different hybrid powertrains below:

Parallel Hybrid

The Parallel hybrid car definition is when a vehicle has the electric motor and gasoline engine connected to the same transmission whether it is automatic, manual, or CVT. The Parallel hybrid type is the most common and blends both power sources to get the vehicle moving forward.

Series Hybrid

The Series hybrid car definition is when the electric motors are paired with a gasoline engine. The biggest feature that sets the Series hybrid apart is that the electric motors are directly paired with the transmission, which means it is the sole power source of the vehicle.

Plug-In Hybrid

The last kind of hybrid is the plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid meaning is pretty much in the name. It has both the electric motor and gasoline engine connected to the transmission but it has increased battery packs to allow St. Louis drivers to drive further on just the electric motor. For short distances, we recommend using pure electric power and then plugging the vehicle in to recharge the battery packs.

The plug-in hybrid is unique because your gasoline engine will kick in if you ever run out of electric driving range.

Purchase a Hybrid Vehicle at Suntrup Automotive Group!

Now that you know the hybrid car meaning, you know there are several great options for a fuel-efficient car. Before your visit to Suntrup Automotive Group, use our vehicle finder service, and then contact us for next steps.