What is the Hybrid Car Definition?

If you need a more fuel-efficient vehicle for your St. Louis commute, a hybrid car is ideal! But what is a hybrid car?  Why are they so fuel-efficient? The hybrid car meaning is one with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The electric motor and gasoline engines work concurrently to deliver the best fuel economy possible. Below Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis discusses the definition of hybrid, including the types of hybrid cars, and if you have questions, reach out to us or view our research hub.

What Does a Hybrid Car Mean?

Types of Hybrid Cars

The hybrid car meaning dictates that the powertrain has an electric motor and a traditional gasoline engine, and typically they work together to maximize fuel efficiency. But there are different hybrid powertrains. Learn about them below to choose the one best for your Clayton lifestyle.

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid is the most common type of hybrid vehicle around Ladue. The parallel hybrid car definition means the gas engine and electric motor are connected to the same transmission and work together. Parallel hybrids combine the two power sources to provide energy to the vehicle.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrid cars also have electric motors paired with a combustion engine, but the electric motor is the sole power source for the vehicle. The gas engine in a series hybrid car acts as a generator for the electric motors and only provides power to the electric motor.

Plug-In Hybrid

The plug-in hybrid car meaning is similar to a parallel hybrid, but they have increased battery packs so you can travel further on the electric motors alone. If you routinely only make short trips around Frontenac, you can drive on purely electric power and then go home and plug the hybrid in (like you would an electric vehicle) to recharge the battery. The sweet thing about plug-in hybrid vehicles is that if you run out of electric driving range, the gas engine kicks in automatically as if you are driving a parallel hybrid vehicle.

Test Drive a Hybrid Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis!

Now that you know more about hybrid cars, are you ready to test drive one? Whether you want a new hybrid like the EQS, or a certified pre-owned vehicle, we’re here for you. We can help with everything from routine maintenance to collision care and more. Contact us today and let us know how we can be of service.