Hybrid vehicle technology was first developed at the beginning of the 20th century and until recent decades it virtually disappeared from modern transport development - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question 2 - 2021

1. Reduced Emissions: Hybrid vehicles emit lower levels of greenhouse gases compared to traditional vehicles, contributing to cleaner urban air quality.

2. Energy Efficiency: They often optimize fuel consumption, making them particularly effective for stop-and-go city driving where regenerative braking can be utilized.

A full hybrid vehicle can operate solely on its electric motor, solely on its internal combustion engine, or a combination of both. These vehicles typically have larger batteries and more powerful electric motors to enhance performance and fuel economy during varied driving conditions.

A mild hybrid uses a smaller electric motor to assist the traditional engine. It is primarily used for features like stop-start and regenerative braking, but it cannot power the vehicle on electric power alone. They provide improved fuel economy over standard vehicles but offer less efficiency than full hybrids.

As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid can be charged from an external power source. They have larger battery systems that allow for longer distances driven on electric power alone, making them versatile for both electric and gasoline driving.

Regenerative braking captures the vehicle's kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electrical energy, which recharges the hybrid's battery. This process enhances overall energy efficiency while reducing wear on traditional braking systems.

Electric traction motors provide a more efficient means of propulsion compared to internal combustion engines. They utilize high power-to-weight ratios to deliver torque across a wide range of speeds, thereby improving vehicle responsiveness and efficiency.

The hybrid vehicle configuration shown is a parallel hybrid, where both the electric motor and the ICE connect to the wheels through a common transmission system.

In the given configuration, the battery supplies electrical energy to the electric motor. The electric motor then powers the vehicle, either alone or in conjunction with the ICE. During acceleration, both the electric and combustion engines may work together to ensure optimal power output. When braking, the electric motor operates in reverse, generating electricity to recharge the battery.

The adoption of hybrid vehicles may influence vehicle ownership by encouraging more consumers to consider environmentally friendly options, potentially leading to government incentives. Additionally, the operational costs of hybrid vehicles, generally lower than conventional cars, can attract more buyers, changing market dynamics.

Hybrid vehicles contribute to reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption compared to traditional vehicles. This shift can significantly improve urban air quality and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with broader sustainability goals.