[There is no loss to know! ] What is "hybrid" that can not be heard now? The difference between mild and strong

Now sold by manufacturers around the world

In particular, the importance of electric models in Europe is high, and according to the SMMT (British Automobile Manufacturers Association), hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for 20% of new car sales in the UK in July 2021. , is on the rise.

But what exactly is a hybrid? With nearly every car brand offering a range of models from "mild" to "plug-in," choosing your next car can be a daunting task.

So, in this article, we've put together everything you need to know about hybrids.

Mild Hybrid

"Mild hybrid", which is gaining attention among manufacturers, is a relatively simple and lightweight system that is often applied to existing engine vehicles. be able to.

Unlike other hybrids, the electric motor does not drive the car directly, but rather provides additional power during acceleration and doubles as a starter motor and generator.

There are two types of mild hybrids: belt-driven and direct-to-engine. In Europe, 48V systems are common, but some brands, such as Mazda, use 24V systems.

Either method can be expected to improve fuel efficiency by about 10% overall when compared to engine vehicles of the same class.

In technical parlance, belt-driven systems are called "P0". The reason for its popularity is that it can be installed in most existing engines without making major changes, so costs can be kept down. Simply put, it is a system in which a starter/generator that replaces the conventional alternator is connected to the engine's crankshaft with a toothed belt.

In addition to assisting acceleration, it also works as a generator during deceleration, exerting strong resistance like engine braking. This allows power to be supplied to the battery, reduces the need for friction braking and reduces energy loss due to heating of the discs and pads. It also functions as an engine start/stop system when the vehicle is stopped or when the accelerator is off.

The crankshaft connection method that Honda uses for its IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system is called P1. By sandwiching the motor/generator between the engine and transmission, high torque is achieved regardless of the strength of the belt, theoretically enabling quick response and space saving.

However, it is costly to develop and install, especially in compact front-wheel drive vehicles, which usually require the powertrain to be designed and manufactured independently.

Both of these are called parallel hybrids, where the motor assists the engine during acceleration, but since there is no connection to the wheels, the motor alone cannot move the car.

As an aside, relatively small ones, such as the 12V system that Suzuki uses in minicars and compact cars, are also called "micro hybrids." The engine stop/start system uses starter/generator technology, but the assistance to the engine is limited.

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