All hybrid cars actually have two batteries: first, the typical 12 volt lead-acid battery that starts the vehicle, and second, the hybrid battery that powers the electric motor.
The size of the hybrid battery found in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) typically ranges from 100 to 300 volts, and 1 to 4 kWh.
Therefore the size of the battery that is found in a hybrid electric vehicle is a completely different beast than the standard ICE car battery.
A standard hybrid vehicle’s hybrid battery is about ten times smaller than that of a plug-in hybrid car (PHEV), and about one hundred times smaller than that found in a fully electric vehicle (EV).
Note: for the purposes of this article, the term “hybrid” car refers to a full hybrid like the Toyota Prius. It does not refer to plug-in hybrids.
What Size Battery Is Found In A Hybrid Car?
Hybrid cars utilize a unique battery setup to power their electric motors, which is quite different from the conventional 12v lead-acid battery used to start the engine.
These batteries are specifically designed to meet the high-energy demands of a hybrid system, enabling them to provide substantial power for acceleration and energy recovery during braking. As such, they are high-voltage batteries and should be treated with caution.
The size of these batteries varies depending on the type and model of hybrid car.
However, this size of battery is found in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV): Typically, they range from 1.3kWh up to 4.4kWh, and 100 to 300 V.
Most hybrids use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their high energy density, durability and efficiency.
These powerful batteries work seamlessly with other components of a hybrid car’s powertrain to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Notably, they also contribute significantly towards reducing carbon emissions by powering the electric motor that reduces reliance on the internal combustion engine.
Therefore these vehicles are powered by gas for less of the time, making them around 20 to 35% more fuel efficient compared to traditional completely gas powered cars.
Regardless of their size or type, these batteries play a vital role in enhancing the overall performance and environmental friendliness of hybrid cars.
It’s worth noting that advancements in technology continue to bring about even more efficient and longer-lasting battery solutions for future generations of hybrids.
What Is A Hybrid Vehicle Battery?
When it comes to hybrid vehicles, they use the power of two different kinds of engines. A hybrid car will have a gas powered engine and an electric motor.
The driver can flip between the engine and the motor, depending on their driving style, when they like.
These main difference between the hybrid battery and the traditional 12v battery, (voltage aside), is that the hybrid battery gets recharged while driving from the process of regenerative braking.
For some folks, hybrid cars may be the best alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles, as opposed to a fully electric car (EV).
EVs run only electricity, and can produce maximum power when accelerating from a stopping position.
However, a battery-only vehicle’s range is normally lower than that of a hybrid’s. Usually, you can only travel between 70 and 250 miles in an electric car.
Therefore, they aren’t ideal when traveling longer distances.
However, when an electric vehicle is combined with a gas powered engine, then the vehicle becomes much more functional for a wider range of people.
With a hybrid, the electric motor is in use while driving in the city and the ICE engine kicks in when travelling at higher speeds and longer distances.
Thus, a hybrid car gives you the best of both worlds, when it comes to power, engine, and distances.
Contemplating a hybrid car? Dive into my comprehensive article to uncover if a hybrid car is truly worth your investment.
How Does A Hybrid Battery Work?
Usually, a hybrid battery will consist of two electrodes that are sitting in an electrolyte solution.
These two electrodes are then distanced from each other due to a polymer film that stops the electrode from short-circuiting at any time.
Then when the hybrid car is switched, the gap between these two electrodes are then bridged.
In addition to this, it is important to note that in a hybrid car, a battery pack is used and there are various cells that all work together harmoniously to produce a large enough charge to be able to power the car easily.
Thus, in each cell of the battery pack, there is both a positive and negative electrode.
The ions that have been charged by the positive electrode move towards the negative electrode.
The positive ions accept the negative ions and an electrical charge is produced for your car.
Disadvantages Of Hybrid Batteries
Hybrids may sound amazing, but they aren’t without their disadvantages as well.
The main disadvantage of hybrid batteries is the fact that they have a really limited life span.
Research has shown that the majority of hybrid batteries have a 100,000 mile or 8-year warranty. Yet, the majority of the batteries will start to fail before this time.
A hybrid car cannot run without a hybrid battery.
However, purchasing a new hybrid battery is quite expensive, and if you need to do this frequently, then the maintenance of a hybrid car becomes quite expensive as well.
With that being said, manufacturers are constantly developing and evolving their technology.
A lot more modern hybrid batteries are starting to become a lot more durable and reliant.
In addition to that, more third parties are entering the hybrid battery world and giving drivers more options when it comes to replacing their old hybrid batteries.
Third party batteries are usually much more affordable than batteries that come from the dealership.
Conclusion
Typically, you will find a 12 volt battery in your hybrid car. This battery runs off electrical energy, to help provide your car power.
However, in a hybrid car, there is also the option to switch between electrical energy and gas power.
A hybrid car cannot work without a hybrid battery, but due to their limited service life, they can be quite expensive to replace, which is why more drivers are looking toward third parties when it comes to replacing their hybrid batteries.
We hope you have found this article insightful.
Now you should have a better understanding of hybrid batteries and the size of battery you will find in your hybrid electric vehicle.
He made this website to help answer people’s questions about new technologies, green vehicles, and as the title suggests, really anything to do with zero emission vehicles.
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