When driving off from a stop position

Whenever accelerating from a stationary position, up to a speed of approximately 25 km/h, hybrid cars are powered by the electric motor (which draws on the battery power). This is one reason why hybrids are particularly efficient during city driving.

When driving at moderate speed

Whenever cruising, hybrids are powered mainly by the combustion engine – as this is when it works most efficiently. During this time, the engine can also power the generator, which recuperates electricity used to recharge the battery for later use.

When accelerating strongly

Whenever you have your foot down firmly on the accelerator pedal, both the combustion engine and electric motor work together to increase power to the wheels. This is thanks to the power-split transmission, which combines the torque output of each powertrain at the same time.

When braking or cruising

Whenever you apply the brakes or take your foot off the accelerator pedal, hybrid cars make use of a system called “smart regenerative braking”. So hybrids do two things: they stop feeding power to the wheels, and use the power of the rotating wheels to recuperate energy while slowing down the car. This produces electricity which again is used to recharge the battery for later use.

When coming to a complete stop

Whenever you apply the brakes with the intention of stopping completely, hybrids completely turn off both the combustion engine and electric motor. The battery power is used to keep operating any other vehicle systems you might need (like your radio, or headlights, etc.)