About Hybrid battery charger, Hybrid vehicles are becoming the future of automobile technology. They got their name as they used two or more distinct power sources.
It mainly uses electric power from the battery until it drains completely, then switches to the internal combustion engine that works on fuel.
Let’s go into detail about these hybrid engines, hybrid batteries and hybrid battery chargers in this blog post.
Essential things to know about hybrid batteries
Hybrid cars are an alternative that covers properties of both electric and gasoline powertrains as these cars have a 12-volt lead-acid battery and gasoline like all traditional vehicles, but they also have an electric battery (traction battery pack).
The electric battery gets recharged with an electric motor through regenerative braking.
When the driver presses the brake pedal, the energy produced recharges the battery.
Only electric motors deliver maximum power when it accelerates from a stop.
However, the batteries in these electric motors must be of high capacity to allow long-distance traveling. Unfortunately, electric vehicles only enable a range of 70-250 miles.
When an electric engine combines with a gas motor, it becomes more functional.
For this, automobile makers install a small yet highly efficient gas and electric motor to provide additional power to the electric engine.
When you know you have backup power from a gas engine, you can use a small, affordable electric motor.
And when these two systems combine, you get the best efficiency and reliability.
However, everything comes at a cost, and the hybrid car is also not an exception. The two-engine design makes hybrid vehicles too expensive.
Each motor is tiny, but they add weight to the vehicle taking up more space.
Another drawback of the hybrid vehicle is its limited life. Studies say that most hybrid vehicles have a lifetime maximum of eight years or up to 1,00,000 miles warranty.
Further, as hybrid vehicles run on hybrid batteries only, you need to invest in hybrid batteries whenever you face any issues.
As a result, the maintenance cost of hybrid vehicles also goes too high.
Electric car vs. gasoline car
Charging a hybrid car battery based on the types of hybrid vehicles
Here are three different types of hybrid vehicles:
Standard hybrids:
These are among the first hybrid vehicles with an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
The gas engine recharges the battery when the electric motor is overloaded.
Charging these hybrid vehicles is not required,; you only need gasoline to keep the gas engine alive.
Plug-in hybrids:
These hybrid vehicles are becoming people’s choice these days. As the name clears, you can charge its electric motor through a plug-in power supply.
To charge the vehicle, you only have to look for a power source.
Key components of a plug-in hybrid car:
- Battery (auxiliary): an auxiliary battery in the electric vehicle gives electric power to start the car before the main battery is engaged. This low-voltage auxiliary battery also powers vehicle accessories.
- Charge port: you can charge the traction battery pack by connecting the vehicle to the external power supply with the help of a charge port.
- DC/DC converter: the device converts high DC voltage from the traction battery to a functional level to run auto accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.
- Electric generator: it generates electricity through rotating wheels when you apply the brake. The energy then transfers to the traction battery pack. In some vehicles, you can also find motor generators that can drive and regenerate.
- Electric traction motor: the electric motor derives power from the traction battery pack to drive the vehicle’s wheels.
- Exhaust system: the gasses from exhaust released from the engine go out through the tailpipe in the exhaust system. Also, there is a 3–way catalyst that reduces engine emissions from the exhaust.
- Fuel filler: The fuel dispenser has a spout/nozzle attached to the vehicle’s receptacle to fill the tank.
- Fuel tank: in this tank, gasoline is stored in the vehicle and remains there until the engine needs it.
- Onboard charger: the charger takes the AC through the charging port and converts it into DC to charge the traction battery. It also maintains battery characteristics such as current, voltage, temperature, and charging state while communicating with the equipment.
- Power electronics controller: this unit controls the electric energy flow from the traction battery, thus, controlling the electric traction motor’s speed and torque.
- Thermal system: this system maintains an appropriate temperature to operate the engine, power electronics, electric motor, and other components.
- Traction battery pack: the electric traction motor stores its energy in this battery pack for further use.
- Transmission: the mechanical power from the electric traction motor or engine gets transferred through transmission.
- A spark-ignited internal combustion engine: the configuration involves fuel injection in the combustion chamber, which then combines with air. A spark plug in the machine ignites this combination of fuel and air.
Electric vehicle
The above two options use an internal combustion engine that supports the electric motor, but an electric vehicle is an all-electric vehicle that solely depends on its electric engine only. Also, you can charge its electric motor through a plug-in power supply.
Charging an electric motor through a plug-in power supply
How to charge a hybrid car battery?
Here are multiple methods for charging a hybrid car battery.
Home charging:
Mostly, powerful 240 volts hybrid battery chargers come with all hybrid vehicles, which you need to hardwire in your home’s electrical system.
You can charge your vehicle overnight for plug-in hybrids to get the maximum out of its battery.
As plug-in hybrids have multiple options and off-peak electricity comes at a low price, home charging is cost-effective.
Portable charging:
Plug-in hybrid vehicles also have a portable 120-volt charging cord to plug into an electrical outlet.
You will have to learn the charger settings to avoid tripping.
Though these chargers take too long to charge the battery than home charging fully, they are a handy option as you can charge anywhere you find an electricity source.
Public charging:
As the number and affordability of hybrid and electric vehicles are increasing, you will find more and more charging stations available on your way.
Public charging station
Conclusion:
So now you know a lot about hybrid batteries and the charging of these batteries.
Next time, when you are charging your hybrid battery vehicle, remember the above information.
While charging, if you need any help with high-quality charging cables, contact Cloom.
We have superior cable assemblies and wiring harnesses for your varying needs.