How Does a Hybrid Car Charge the Battery?

By Adrian Castillo

If you’re the proud owner of a new hybrid vehicle, you may still be getting a grip on how it runs. There’s a lot to learn, which is why there’s no doubt that you have a lot of questions. One of them might be about your vehicle’s batteries and how they charge. The simple answer is that the hybrid battery is charged through a process called regenerative braking. If you want to dig a little bit deeper on what that means for you and your driving habits, you’ve come to the right place.

How Regenerative Braking Works for a Hybrid Vehicle

Essentially, the engine of your hybrid vehicle works like a power generator. It is continually being recharged through regenerative braking, which is the process that occurs when the kinetic energy of your moving vehicle is converted back to stored energy upon you braking and bringing the car to a stop. This process of recharging is what contributes to your hybrid’s exceptional fuel economy.

So, Does Idling a Hybrid Car Charge the Battery?

Given that your hybrid car is being charged as you hit the brakes, you might wonder if that means it’s also charging when idle. Unfortunately this is not the case, as the regenerative braking process is taking place as the vehicle slows. The process relies on kinetic energy that can be converted into stored energy, and once you’ve come to a full stop, there’s no more kinetic energy. So, while the car is idle, it’s not exactly charging. However, it’s also not consuming any of the charge either, as the motor of a typical hybrid vehicle disengages when it’s no longer running.

Need a Hybrid Battery Replacement?

If your vehicle’s hybrid battery is reaching the end of its lifespan, know where to turn for a replacement. For hybrid owners throughout the U.S., Bumblebee Batteries is the team to call. Contact us today to learn how to set up a mobile battery installation.