Woman Charging A 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

A lot of Buffalo drivers have been making the switch to hybrid cars like Ford Escape SE Hybrid lately. That's understandable, given how high gas prices have risen. But what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? A hybrid car pairs a gas-powered combustion engine with an electric-powered motor to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. How do hybrid cars work compared to electric vehicles? Let's take a closer look at how hybrid cars work below.

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What is a Hybrid Car, and How Does It Work?

You've likely heard the term "hybrid" more and more lately as these automobiles become more prolific. So, what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? A hybrid car uses both an electric motor and a gasoline combustion engine, meaning that the vehicle is powered by a blend of gasoline and electricity. The finer details of how hybrid cars work depend on the type of hybrid. But each type uses a combination of an electric motor and a gas engine. How do hybrid cars work differently from electric vehicles (EVs)? Electric vehicles do not have gas-powered engines and are powered only by electric motors.

How Hybrid Cars Work

  • Series Hybrid - In this type of hybrid, power flows from the gas engine to the electric motor, which moves the wheels. This type of hybrid isn't all that common anymore.
  • Parallel Hybrid - In this type of hybrid, both the gas engine and electric motor directly power the wheels. This is the more common type of hybrid.
  • Plug-In Hybrid - How do hybrid cars work that are plug-in hybrids? These cars have a larger battery capacity and can be charged by being plugged in. This allows the vehicle to run for a short distance in electric-only mode if the driver prefers. They also offer even better gas mileage, making for the most economical Cheektowaga commute.

The Current Lineup of Ford Hybrid Cars

Rochester drivers love to have options. So, it's a good thing that Ford produces so many hybrid vehicles. Here's a list of the current lineup:

  • Ford Escape SE Hybrid
  • Ford Escape SE Plug-In Hybrid
  • Ford Maverick
  • Ford F-150 (available in hybrid)
  • Ford Explorer Platinum 

Check Out the Hybrid Cars at Basil Ford of Cheektowaga

We'd love to put you behind the wheel of one of these quality hybrid vehicles. Why not come down and take a test drive? And, while you're here, be sure to take advantage of our new vehicle specials. We're conveniently located near West Seneca. So, drop by or contact us today.