Introduction to Automotive Engineering

Chapter 7Hybrid Cars

7.1 Introduction

A hybrid vehicle (HEV) is a type of automobile which has a conventional power system with an energy storage system (RESS).

Mass production of these vehicles has been taking time due to charge time taken by regenerative braking.

7.2 History [1]

In 1901, Ferdinand Porsche designed a series-hybrid vehicle having a range of 50 km, speed of 50 km/h and a power of 5.22 kW.

Figure 7.1 Toyota’s HEV.

Figure 7.2 The Escape Hybrid, launched in 2004.

7.3 Background

A more recent working prototype of the HEV was built by Victor Wouk and earned him the title as the “Godfather of the Hybrid”. Wouk installed a prototype hybrid drivetrain into a 1972 Buick Skylark provided by GM. In 1989, Audi produced its first iteration of the Audi Duo (or Audi 100 Avant duo) experimental vehicle, a plug-in parallel hybrid based on the Audi 100 Avant Quattro. This car had a 12.6 BHPSiemenselectric motor which drove the rear wheels.

7.4 Production of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Automotive hybrid technology became successful in the 1990s when the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius became available. These vehicles have a direct linkage from the ICE to the driven wheels, so the engine can provide acceleration power.

Figure 7.3 Hybrid vehicle sales chart.

7.5 Types ...