Editing Hybrid vehicle (section)

===Series hybrid===
[[File:Chevrolet Volt charging WAS 2011 833.jpg|thumb|[[Chevrolet Volt]], a [[plug-in hybrid|plug-in]] [[series hybrid]], also called an ''extended range electric vehicle'' (''EREV'')]]
A '''series- or serial-hybrid vehicle''' is driven by an electric motor, functioning as an electric vehicle while the battery pack energy supply is sufficient, with an engine tuned for running as a generator when the battery pack is insufficient. There is typically no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, and the primary purpose of the range extender is to charge the battery. Series-hybrids have also been referred to as [[Range extender (vehicle)|extended range electric vehicle]], range-extended electric vehicle, or electric vehicle-extended range (EREV/REEV/EVER).

The [[BMW i3]] with range extender is a production series-hybrid. It operates as an electric vehicle until the battery charge is low, and then activates an engine-powered generator to maintain power, and is also available without the range extender. The [[Fisker Karma]] was the first series-hybrid production vehicle.

When describing cars, the battery of a series-hybrid is usually charged by being plugged in—but a series-hybrid may also allow for a battery to only act as a buffer (and for regeneration purposes), and for the electric motor's power to be supplied constantly by a supporting engine. Series arrangements have been common in [[diesel-electric]] [[locomotive]]s and ships. [[Ferdinand Porsche]] effectively invented this arrangement in speed-record-setting racing cars in the early 20th century, such as the [[Lohner–Porsche|Lohner–Porsche Mixte Hybrid]]. Porsche named his arrangement "System Mixt" and it was a [[wheel hub motor]] design, where each of the two front wheels was powered by a separate motor. This arrangement was sometimes referred to as an ''electric transmission'', as the electric generator and driving motor replaced a mechanical transmission. The vehicle could not move unless the internal combustion engine was running.

In 1997 Toyota released the first series-hybrid bus sold in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn19970822a8.html |title=Toyota debuts power-hybrid bus &#124; The Japan Times Online |website=Search.japantimes.co.jp |date=1997-08-22 |access-date=2009-10-17}}</ref> [[General Motors|GM]] introduced the [[Chevy Volt]] series plug-in hybrid in 2010, aiming for an [[all-electric range]] of {{convert|40|mi|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stossel|first=Sage |url= https://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/general-motors |title=Electro-Shock Therapy – The Atlantic (July/August 2008) |magazine=The Atlantic |date=2008-05-06 |access-date=2009-10-17}}</ref> though this car also has a mechanical connection between the engine and drivetrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/shocker-chevy-says-volts-gas-engine-can-power-the-wheels-its|title=Shocker|date=2010-10-11}}</ref> [[Supercapacitors]] combined with a [[lithium-ion]] battery bank have been used by [[AFS Trinity]] in a converted Saturn Vue SUV vehicle. Using [[supercapacitors]] they claim up to 150 mpg in a series-hybrid arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://afstrinity.com/press-release-9-24-08.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229035802/http://afstrinity.com/press-release-9-24-08.html|url-status=dead|title=afstrinity.com|archivedate=December 29, 2008}}</ref>

Nissan Note e-power is an example of a series hybrid technology since 2016 in Japan.