Hybrid Cars – A New Way of Living

Technology is progressing in an unexpected way. Every day we hear of new discoveries and innovations to ease the life of human beings. In old times, people used to walk on foot for months only to reach the neighbouring city. Now, with the advances in technology, it only takes a few hours to reach the continent on the other corner of the world. From hybrid cars, bullet trains to airplanes, there is nothing left to the imagination.

Today the focus of our discussion is hybrid cars. It is no wonder that they are the talk of the town these days. However, there are still some people who are unaware of what hybrid cars actually are. The word hybrid gives us an idea that these vehicles are a combination of different kinds of technologies. A hybrid car is one that is powered by two different kinds of engines, i.e., an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. They are the best option for improving fuel economy. Moreover, these automobiles take assistance from the electric power which allows them to burn less gasoline/fuel than other conventional vehicles.

Some hybrid cars come with a plugged-in facility to charge the body while other cars have no such options. They charge the battery by storing energy produced by internal combustion and regenerative braking. This kind of storage medium is called a supercapacitor. This type of engine stores the power until it is needed later on.

Different Types of Hybrid Cars

There are different types of hybrids in the automobile market. Each one performs a specific function. let us discuss them in detail.

Mild Hybrid Cars

A mild hybrid vehicle has a smaller battery and electric motor than a regular one. These vehicles come with a start/stop mechanism that shuts the engine down when the vehicle is no longer in motion. The electric motor helps in reigniting the gas engine when the driver depresses the gas pedal. Consequently, the frequent start/stop mechanism increases fuel economy and conserves the energy for later use. These cars are amazing, but there are still some limitations. Such cars cannot rely only on electric motors. They do not have an all-electric or EV mode.

Full Hybrid Cars

A full hybrid vehicle comes with a powerful electric motor and a bigger battery. Its batteries have a larger capacity to store energy and power for later use. These vehicles have all the features a mild engine has, but it is much more efficient and can also perform many other functions. The powerful electric motors allow them to switch to the all-electric mode when needed. However, it can only be used for a short period of time at a low speed. They improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 40 percent.

Parallel Hybrid Cars

A parallel hybrid engine allows the vehicle to use both the combustion engine and the electric motor at the same time. In a Through the Road (TTR) parallel hybrid, both kinds of engines work in a parallel way. the gas engine drives one set of wheels while the electric motor delivers power to the other set of wheels. Volvo and BMW hybrids rely upon this TTR system to make the vehicle as efficient as possible.

Series Hybrid Cars

Series hybrid relies majorly upon the electric motor. The internal combustion engine provides power to the electric motor to keep the flow of electricity strong and steady. BMW i3 Rex and Chevrolet Volt are two main examples of series hybrids.

Series-Parallel Hybrid Cars

Series-Parallel hybrids are the most common type of hybrids vehicles. They are a fine blend of both series and parallel hybrids. They allow the combustion engine and the electric motor to work together. Additionally, the generator also provides power to the electric motor for increased electricity flow. They are also known as power-split hybrids.

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Advantages of a Hybrid Car

These vehicles come with multiple advantages that make them our first choice. Each one is unique and appealing. There is no doubt that all these advantages make us crazy for hybrid cars. Let's discuss them briefly.

Environmental

Regular cars are known for increasing pollution and making the environment unbearable in some cases. However, hybrid cars are considered friendly to the environment. They use less fossil fuels and emit less carbon dioxide. This helps in avoiding hazardous pollution and keeping the air as clean as possible.

Economical Benefits

If you have a hybrid car, then you know that you can enjoy many incentives and tax credits. Less fuel consumption decreased taxes, and other incentives make this car affordable.

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Fuel Efficiency

The availability of an electric motor makes it possible to decrease fuel consumption. It takes half of the burden of the gas engine and allows it to save fuel for later use. Fuel efficiency leads to less pollution and more affordability.

Higher Resale Value

If you are thinking of reselling your car, don't fret. You will not face much of a loss. Hybrid vehicles are quite popular in the automobile market. They have higher demand which leads to high resale value.

Automatic Start/Shutoff Mechanism

Do not forget the unbelievably good start/stop mechanism of these cars. This mechanism is highly efficient. It makes it possible for the vehicle to stop as soon as the gas pedal is no longer compressed. The engine is reignited soon after the foot slides from the brake and presses the gas pedal. This makes it easier for the vehicle to save fuel.

Regenerative Braking System

The Regenerative Braking System (RBS) is an efficient way of saving energy. The batteries capture and store the energy that is produced by the brakes for later use. This makes the batteries more efficient and lets them last longer than usual. It saves you from spending extra time recharging the battery.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

There is no such thing in the world that comes without any limitations or disadvantages. Everything has some downsides that make you think for a while. Let us discuss some of the disadvantages of hybrid cars in detail.

Expensive

These vehicles are in great demand in the automobile market. Higher demand leads to high prices. Hybrid cars are expensive. Their maintenance can also cost you a lot.

Less Power

The gasoline engine and the electric motor both produce less power than the regular combustion engine in other cars. Less power may not be good for a long drive.

Poor Performance

While manufacturing hybrid vehicles, companies usually focus majorly on fuel efficiency. They may end up ignoring many other important aspects. Such cars are lightweight and contain more machinery than regular ones. In order to make the vehicle lightweight, the manufacturers may resort to using smaller batteries and motors. The lightweight design can lead to reduced support in the suspension and body.

High-Voltage Batteries

High voltage batteries are not as good as they seem. In some cases, they can also cause major problems for the driver. These batteries may end up electrocuting the passengers in the worst-case scenario. Moreover, it would not be easy to rescue the passengers in such cases.

High Insurance Rates

The insurance policy for hybrid cars is much more complicated than you think. Their insurance is $40 more expensive than the regular cars. This increased cost is all because of its complicated internal technology and high demand in the market.

Not Suitable for Cold Weather

These cars are not very suitable for use in cold weather. Hybrid batteries require a long time in reaching the operating temperature. They are very slow in this regard. Even though they are famous for fuel efficiency, in winter, they end up consuming more full than usual.

Examples

Here are some of the most famous hybrid cars:

Are Hybrid Cars Good for Long-Distance Driving?

Yes, there is no doubt that hybrid cars are perfect for long-distance trips. They operate more efficiently, consume less fuel, and last a long time.

Why Should I Purchase a Hybrid Car?

There is no reason why you shouldn't buy a hybrid car. They are famous for their fuel efficiency, lightweight, and higher resale value. The regenerative brake system increases the efficiency of the car. Not to mention all the economical benefits and incentives that come with it.

If you want to buy a used hybrid car, then the best place for you to visit is USSTokyo. They connect you directly to the biggest Japanese auction houses. Our website contains a great range of hybrid vehicles. Just visit this link and take part in the next car auction.

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