In hybrid vehicles, I know the battery can be recharged using regenerative braking, but I also see them sometimes recharge the battery using the engine directly. Why would they do this? It seems like it would be better to use the motor just to move the vehicle. Why go gas -> engine -> battery -> wheels?
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I have a Prius (parallel hybrid). Electric excels at low-speed stop-and-go driving. ICE is efficient at constant speed on the highway. Each engine is most efficient at different types of driving. Parallel hybrid with the battery recharged by regenerative braking or the ICE allows the car to continuously choose the most efficient method of propulsion at the moment based on the type of driving.
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