Advantages of Hybrids - what's so good about them?
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, hybrid cars have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Hybrid vehicles combine the best of both worlds—traditional internal combustion engines and electric motors—to offer a unique driving experience.
So they’re a great alternative if you’re not quite ready to make the switch to fully electric.
In this blog, we’ll explore how hybrid cars work, the different types of hybrids, and the advantages they offer, particularly their impressive fuel efficiency.
How do hybrids work?
Hybrid cars utilise a combination of a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle.
The key to their efficiency lies in their ability to switch between or combine these two power sources depending on the driving conditions.
When driving at lower speeds or during stop-and-go traffic, the electric motor often takes over, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
When more power is needed, such as during acceleration or on the motorway, the combustion engine might kick in. The battery that powers the electric motor is recharged through regenerative braking—a process that captures energy usually lost as heat during braking.
What are the types of hybrids?
The two most common types are full hybrids and plug-in hybrids
- Full Hybrid
Full hybrids switch between electric power and a combustion engine.
These vehicles don’t require plugging in to recharge; instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the combustion engine.
- Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a larger battery compared to full hybrids, which allows them to travel longer distances on electric power alone—typically anywhere from 20 to 50 miles, depending on the model.
Unlike full hybrids, PHEVs can be recharged by plugging them into an external power source, such as a home charger or public charging station.
This ability to recharge the battery externally means that many plug-in hybrids can handle daily commutes on electric power alone, with the combustion engine acting as a backup for longer trips.
Advantages of Hybrids
Hybrid cars offer quite a few advantages, making them an appealing choice for many drivers.
More fuel efficient
One of the primary advantages of hybrid cars is their improved fuel efficiency.
Hybrids will utilise the electric motor at low speeds and during idling, thus consuming less fuel than traditional ICE vehicles.
This can result in significant savings at the fuel pump, especially for drivers who often find themselves in stop-and-go traffic.
Lower emissions
Because hybrids rely on electric power for a portion of their operation, they produce fewer CO2 emissions, therefore making them an environmentally friendly option.
Regenerative braking
Hybrid cars feature regenerative braking systems, which capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
This not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces wear and tear on the braking system, potentially lowering maintenance costs over time as well.
Incentives and tax benefits
Many governments offer financial incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles, such as tax credits or rebates.
These incentives can make hybrids more affordable and offset the higher initial cost compared to ICE vehicles.
