A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO
HYBRID CARS
By definition, a hybrid is ‘made by combining two different elements’. In the case of hybrid vehicles, those elements are two different engine types of power sources – being an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE). In a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor runs on electricity stored in a battery, while the traditional ICE is run by petrol or diesel.
A parallel hybrid has both an internal combustion engine and electric motor that operate in combination or separately, and automatically switches between the two to power the vehicle. This type of setup is used in the majority of non-plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road in Australia today. The petrol and electric motors can be used individually to propel the car, or the engines can be coupled together for maximum power.
Generally, during low speed driving this hybrid will use the electric motor only, with the petrol engine remaining in a deactivated state to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. However, under heavy acceleration and when more speed is required, the petrol engine will be switched on to assist.
Many consider that an PHEV delivers the best of both worlds, having both a traditional ICE and a powerful electric motor. Meaning that the vehicle can run on either the ICE by itself, or in dedicated electric mode. However because PHEVs generally have much larger electric batteries, they can be driven in electric mode for an extended period of time. All PHEV cars also have an automatic transmission with a range of driving modes such as ‘Sport’ or ‘Eco’, and pretty much the same driving functions as any other similar modern car.
Other families might drive locally during the week, but then like to get away on the weekends. This type of driving is also suited to a PHEV with the support of using the ICE engine for longer trips. Naturally to get the full benefit of driving a PHEV in all-electric mode, you need to be able to recharge the battery regularly.
There is a very limited range of Series Hybrids in Australia and they potentially have more limitations. They can be efficient in city driving conditions with stop-start traffic, but they are less efficient on the highway. They do offer an all-electric driving experience, and can potentially have lower emissions, but they require a larger more complicated battery, which can make them more expensive to purchase.
Parallel Hybrids use both the ICE and electric motor, and are more efficient at higher speeds and under highway driving conditions. The driving dynamics are similar to conventional cars and they can offer better fuel efficiency, however they produce higher emissions at higher speeds because the ICE motor is running. Regardless, they are probably a better option than a Series Hybrid for those clocking up lots of kilometres. This car cannot be plugged in to recharge the battery and can only drive in all-electric mode for limited distances and at limited speeds.
The majority of Australians live in cities and this is where many hybrids excel, as they can be driven in full electric mode for short distances. This is also appealing as global petrol prices seem set to remain high in the near future. While 100% electric car sales are growing as they become more affordable, hybrids are typically more affordable to purchase upfront ensuring they will remain popular in the market – especially in a country like Australia with its large distances.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO
HYBRID CARS
By definition, a hybrid is ‘made by combining two different elements’. In the case of hybrid vehicles, those elements are two different engine types of power sources – being an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE). In a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor runs on electricity stored in a battery, while the traditional ICE is run by petrol or diesel.
That is the very basics, but there is so much more to know about hybrid vehicles, because they are not all the same. So what does a hybrid car mean and are hybrid cars worth it? To find out, let’s delve a little deeper.
A parallel hybrid has both an internal combustion engine and electric motor that operate in combination or separately, and automatically switches between the two to power the vehicle. This type of setup is used in the majority of non-plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road in Australia today. The petrol and electric motors can be used individually to propel the car, or the engines can be coupled together for maximum power.
Generally, during low speed driving this hybrid will use the electric motor only, with the petrol engine remaining in a deactivated state to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. However, under heavy acceleration and when more speed is required, the petrol engine will be switched on to assist.
Many consider that an PHEV delivers the best of both worlds, having both a traditional ICE and a powerful electric motor. Meaning that the vehicle can run on either the ICE by itself, or in dedicated electric mode. However because PHEVs generally have much larger electric batteries, they can be driven in electric mode for an extended period of time. All PHEV cars also have an automatic transmission with a range of driving modes such as ‘Sport’ or ‘Eco’, and pretty much the same driving functions as any other similar modern car.
Other families might drive locally during the week, but then like to get away on the weekends. This type of driving is also suited to a PHEV with the support of using the ICE engine for longer trips. Naturally to get the full benefit of driving a PHEV in all-electric mode, you need to be able to recharge the battery regularly.
There is a very limited range of Series Hybrids in Australia and they potentially have more limitations. They can be efficient in city driving conditions with stop-start traffic, but they are less efficient on the highway. They do offer an all-electric driving experience, and can potentially have lower emissions, but they require a larger more complicated battery, which can make them more expensive to purchase.
Parallel Hybrids use both the ICE and electric motor, and are more efficient at higher speeds and under highway driving conditions. The driving dynamics are similar to conventional cars and they can offer better fuel efficiency, however they produce higher emissions at higher speeds because the ICE motor is running. Regardless, they are probably a better option than a Series Hybrid for those clocking up lots of kilometres. This car cannot be plugged in to recharge the battery and can only drive in all-electric mode for limited distances and at limited speeds.
The majority of Australians live in cities and this is where many hybrids excel, as they can be driven in full electric mode for short distances. This is also appealing as global petrol prices seem set to remain high in the near future. While 100% electric car sales are growing as they become more affordable, hybrids are typically more affordable to purchase upfront ensuring they will remain popular in the market – especially in a country like Australia with its large distances.
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