What is a Hybrid Car?

If you’re like many of our Hood River customers, you’re looking for a new vehicle that allows you to care for our environment while saving money on gas. Maybe you’re not totally comfortable with a fully electric vehicle, but there’s a middle ground that will give you the savings of an EV and the comfort of a gas-powered vehicle! Vehicles like the Pacifica Hybrid are the perfect “in-between” car that will help you to save fuel without impacting your driving experience. 

The hybrid car definition is simple: a vehicle with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. This means that both of the power sources work together to operate the car while providing fuel economy specs that gas-powere4ed vehicles can’t match. Learn more about the hybrid car meaning with C. H. Urness Motors Co., below!

Types of Hybrid Cars

As mentioned above, hybrid cars have two powering mechanisms: an electric motor and a gas engine. Parallel, series, and plug-in hybrids are the three types of hybrid vehicles available on the market today. We’ll go over the differences and similarities of all three options so you can determine which will best fit your needs in Goldendale, WA!

Parallel Hybrid

A parallel hybrid is the most common hybrid. In this type of vehicle, the electric battery and gasoline engine work simultaneously to power the car. They are both connected to the transmission to make this possible.

Series Hybrid

In a series hybrid, both powering systems are used, but the electric battery is the only one connected to the transmission. It’s the main power source of the vehicle, while the gas engine serves as a generator. 

Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are more similar to parallel hybrids: in both types, an electric motor and a gas engine are connected to the transmission. The difference is that plug-in hybrids have a larger battery pack to increase the electric range of the car when using the motor. You’ll have the option to drive relying solely on the electric power and recharge the vehicle using your home charger or a public charging station, similar to an electric vehicle. But don’t worry about running out of charge on Portland roads—the gasoline engine will kick in automatically when electric power runs out.

Test Drive a Hybrid Vehicle for Sale in The Dalles!

Do you still have questions about hybrid vehicles? Feel free to reach out and contact our team at C. H. Urness Motors Co.! We’ll do our best to give you all of the information you need to make a decision. If you’re ready to purchase, contact our finance department and they’ll walk you through the purchasing process. Don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials online!