How Does the RAV4 Hybrid Work?

The new 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $29,575. It has a 244.8V Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery that provides 219 combined net horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Santa Cruz drivers can also enjoy a dynamic AWD system for confident daily drives. Learn more about our hybrid inventory and get answers to the question, “How do hybrid cars work?” — in particular the RAV4 Hybrid — with the service team at Santa Cruz Toyota today.

RAV4 Hybrid: How Does it Work?

The RAV4 Hybrid: how does it work? Well, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery as we mentioned above. The Ni-MH battery and vehicles with this type of battery don’t get power from an external plug-in source since they use fuel to recharge the battery while the vehicle is driving. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a longer life-cycle than lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. Learn more about hybrid batteries, below.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work: Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

What is a hybrid car, and how does it work under the hood? A hybrid vehicle has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric battery. The two work in tandem to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Parallel hybrids are the most common on the market today. In these models, both the electric motor and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT system. They work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work vs. Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

How does the RAV4 Hybrid work in comparison to the plug-in electric model? Hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery, while EVs use electric power only. EVs need to be recharged via an electric charger. Hybrid vehicles on the other hand, don’t need to be charged, and charge themselves making the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a great option for your adventures beyond Watsonville.

Learn More About the RAV4 Hybrid at Santa Cruz Toyota

Now that you know more about hybrid and electric technology, you’re likely left with one question: how do hybrid cars work for your Santa Clara ride? With the number of options growing every day, it’s easier than ever to find one that suits your needs and budget! We’re happy to help you learn more, and even experience the Toyota RAV4 Prime at Santa Cruz Toyota. Contact our team to get started today.