hybrid batteries

Like all batteries, hybrid batteries have 2 electrodes (which collect or emit an electric charge) that sit in an ion-high solution called the electrolyte. (An ion, by the way, is an atom or group of atoms with an electrical charge.)

The electrodes are typically very near, so a polymer film, called a separator, avoids them from touching, which would make a short circuit. An on-off switch in whatever device is powered by the battery-your phone or laptop-bridges the cell’s electrodes to create power. That’s when the electro chemical effect begins.

Keep in mind: What we usually call “a battery” is actually a battery pack that houses many specific cells. Your mobile phone battery is just one single cell, but anything larger-even a laptop battery-uses multiple cells working together.

Ionized elements in one electrode are in a chemical state where they are easily attracted to combine with other molecules, emitting electrons (power) in the method. Those elements are tugged through the electrolyte and the separator toward the opposite electrode. The ions of the negative electrode (anode) give up electrons; the positive ions coming toward the anode take them. The electrons launched during this process travel through the external circuit (e.g. your phone), generating a flow of charge in the opposite direction to the flow of ions. During recharge, current is forced into the cell, reversing the process.

As we take a tour of hybrid batteries, remember one thing: Total energy determines the vehicle’s electric range, whereas available power determines its acceleration.