Hybrid Vehicle Service

Hybrid Vehicle Service
When you think of a hybrid vehicle, most people only think about the battery as the main component of the car that makes it different. However, a hybrid vehicle is much more complex than that. As you can see below a hybrid electric car is composed of many parts that are unique to the design of a vehicle using hybrid technology. This was taken from the Alternative Fuels Data Center to illustrate the different components on a hybrid electric car.

 

 

https://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-hybrid-electric-cars-work

Key Components of a Hybrid Electric Car

• Battery (auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car before the traction battery is engaged and also powers vehicle accessories.

• DC/DC converter: This device converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.

 

• Electric generator: Generates electricity from the rotating wheels while braking, transferring that energy back to the traction battery pack. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions.

• Electric traction motor: Using power from the traction battery pack, this motor drives the vehicle’s wheels. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions.

• Exhaust system: Channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe.

• Fuel filler: A filler or “nozzle” used to add fuel to the tank.

• Fuel tank (gasoline): Stores gasoline on board the vehicle until it’s needed by the engine.

• Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): In this configuration, fuel is injected into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber, where it is combined with air, and the air/fuel mix is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.

 

• Power electronics controller: This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it produces.

• Thermal system (cooling): This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components.

• Traction battery pack: Stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor.

• Transmission: The transmission transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.

As you can see, hybrid vehicles have different components that operate within the vehicle. Should any of these components fail, they will need to be serviced or replaced. Our technicians have been certified to work on hybrid and electric vehicles. Make sure

 

you bring your hybrid vehicle to All Auto the next time you need service. We know the common issues with hybrid cars and we have the experts to solve any problem. We are connected to Denver Used Hybrids (aka Stapleton Motors) and have been working on hybrid vehicles for over 10 years!