While there are many advertisements we see for hybrid electric vehicles, few discuss the drive train differences that can exist between hybrids. Most likely figure that customers are more concerned with the fact that the car is a hybrid and will not pay attention to the smaller details. While this belief is likely true, it can be quite useful to know just how the drive train in your hybrid is arranged.

There are three possible drive train arrangements for a hybrid vehicle: series, parallel, and series/parallel.

A series drive train is the simplest possible arrangement for a hybrid vehicle. In this set up, the electric motor is the only thing that can provide power to move the wheels. The electric motor can receive electricity from either the battery system of the car, or the gasoline engine can be used to generate electrical energy for the electric motor. Series drive trains usually require a larger battery pack and smaller engine than other arrangements. This is a more efficient system for stop and go traffic.

A parallel drive train is an arrangement in which both the engine and battery pack can directly drive the wheels. When power demands are low, the gasoline engine can be used to charge the battery pack as well. As the gasoline engine is connected directly to the wheels, it is a much more efficient arrangement for highway driving. Parallel drive trains also require a smaller battery pack.

A series/parallel drive train merges the advantages of both systems at the cost of a more complicated arrangement. The gasoline engine can be used to drive the wheels directly, or it can be effectively disconnected so that the wheels are driven entirely on electrical power. This system can function at optimum efficiency in more situations, but as this is a more complicated system, there potentially is more that can go wrong.

With all of the hybrids coming to market, learning about your drive train can be the best way to get a car that suits how and where you plan to drive.