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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The the most part, electric motors are more efficient at “moving” the vehicle itself. And a very small gasoline/diesel engine with a generator attached to it can easily generate the amount of electricity needed to keep the battery charged for the electric motor.
The size of the gas engine is very small, for example, the Chevy Volt used only a 1.5L gas engine. That is a very low performing engine, and if you tried to push the car with that it would be gutless. But, it’s enough to produce electricity. And the electric motor gives the car a very good amount of power.
Some vehicles though, like the Toyota Prius, actually use a different hybrid system, and both the gas and electric motors push at the same time.
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