Chapter 7

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles


Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, the reader will be able to:

  • Describe the different types of hybrid electric vehicles
  • Explain how a hybrid vehicle is able to achieve an improvement in fuel economy compared to a conventional vehicle design
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various hybrid designs
  • Describe HEV components, including motors, energy sources, and motor controllers
  • Discuss the operation of a typical hybrid electric vehicle
  • Identify a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
  • Explain how the high-voltage batteries are recharged in a PHEV and EV vehicle
  • Discuss range anxiety
  • Discuss the battery capacity and range correlation of an EV
  • Describe the levels of chargers used to charge a PHEV or an EV

Key Terms

  • BEV
  • Combined Charging Systems (CCS)
  • DC Quick Charger (DCQC)
  • Electric Vehicle (EV)
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
  • Range Anxiety
  • Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)

Chapter Powerpoint

Coming Soon


Student Activities

Microsoft Word file format: Click activity to download. Open with Microsoft Word to edit. Save to your computer.

Chart the history of electric and hybrid electric vehicles

Classification & Levels of HEVs

HEV Fuel Economy

Charging an EV, HEV, or PHEV

Adobe Acrobat file format: Click activity to download. Open with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out. Save to your computer.

Chart the history of electric and hybrid electric vehicles

Classification & Levels of HEVs

HEV Fuel Economy

Charging an EV, HEV, or PHEV