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.
What are the main features of a hybrid car?
While a hybrid car can look like any other hatch, SUV or van on the road, there are a few things under the surface that make them different. The main technology features a hybrid is equipped with are – an electric motor, a traditional ICE, a high voltage traction battery (delivering high, sustained power density), an onboard charger and in the case of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), an AC charge port.
How do hybrid vehicles work?
To understand how a hybrid car works, you need to know that there are a number of different options in the Australian market. Some hybrids are designed so they are never plugged in, while others have the flexibility to top up the battery by plugging them in to charge and to therefore extend their electric driving capability. Let’s look at the different options, how they work and their advantages to help you determine which type of hybrid might best suit you.
Types of Hybrid Vehicles
Mild Hybrid
This type of hybrid has a small electric motor and a small battery is added to the ICE engine. In most cases, it only helps the internal combustion engine during acceleration and recovers energy during braking, this reduces fuel usage and gives improved economy.
Full Hybrid
There are 2 types of systems:
Series Hybrid
This type of hybrid is best described as being like an electric vehicle with a small petrol engine to charge the onboard battery to extend the driving range. While the electric motor is used for driving the wheels, the ICE engine is used for keeping the battery charged only.
Parallel Hybrid
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.
A parallel hybrid is also a self-charging hybrid car so there’s no need to plug it in to charge. The vehicle decides how and when to use the petrol and/or electric engines, and the battery that powers the electric motor is topped up by regenerative braking. So what is regenerative braking? This is a system where the vehicle captures kinetic energy generated when the vehicle slows down, or brakes, and uses it to recharge the electric battery.
The Plug-In Electric Hybrid (PHEV)
A PHEV parallel type hybrid – such as the Peugeot 508 GT Fastback – is much closer to a fully electric vehicle. This is because it has a more powerful electric motor and a larger capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged externally.
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.
An PHEV such as the PEUGEOT 408 GT Fastback PHEV, delivers the freedom to choose between petrol or electric driving, with the benefit of utilising the ICE for long trips or when you are not near a charging station.
Why drive a hybrid car?
For many people, the attraction of driving a hybrid vehicle is the option to utilise both electric and petrol engines, either individually or simultaneously. Hybrids also have the advantage of using less fuel than petrol and diesel vehicles and they produce lower levels of CO2, thanks to the combination of the electric battery and combustion engine power. Other driving benefits when driving in electric mode can include less noise, less vibration, smooth gear changes, reduced emissions and reduced petrol smells.
Which is the best hybrid car for you?
To find the best type of hybrid for your circumstances, you need to first understand your driving style, habits, patterns and behaviours. This will determine the best hybrid to service your needs. For example, if you live in a city the majority of the trips you make may be short, such as school drop off and shopping trips. Plus a PHEV can be easily charged with a mode 2 type 2 cable into a standard 240v at home, by using a wallbox or public charger, so a PHEV that lets you drive in electric mode most of the time could be perfect, such as the compact PEUGEOT 308 GT Sport Hatch Plug-In Hybrid or the family-friendly PEUGEOT 508 Sportswagon PHEV.
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.
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.
Common Hybrid Cars Myths
Myth: Hybrids are Slow
The truth is electric motors can have a faster acceleration response time than some ICE powered vehicles. This is because an electric motor delivers all its power as soon as you press the accelerator pedal, plus the powerful torque provided by the electric motor delivers smooth and responsive acceleration as the transmission is automatic.
Myth: Hybrids Have High Maintenance Costs
As all hybrids also have a traditional ICE engine, they have similar components to regular cars and require the same servicing, such as oil changes. In contrast, a hybrid’s electric engine is much simpler with fewer moving parts than an ICE engine and it requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance.
What does the future hold for hybrids?
Hybrid vehicles are here to stay and offer an important option for those not ready, or not wanting, to jump into an all-electric vehicle. The PHEV is becoming increasingly popular as it bridges the divide between ICE and all-electric vehicles, while also helping automobile manufacturer’s meet emission targets and goals.
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.
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.
What are the main features of a hybrid car?
While a hybrid car can look like any other hatch, SUV or van on the road, there are a few things under the surface that make them different. The main technology features a hybrid is equipped with are – an electric motor, a traditional ICE, a high voltage traction battery (delivering high, sustained power density), an onboard charger and in the case of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), an AC charge port.
How do hybrid vehicles work?
To understand how a hybrid car works, you need to know that there are a number of different options in the Australian market. Some hybrids are designed so they are never plugged in, while others have the flexibility to top up the battery by plugging them in to charge and to therefore extend their electric driving capability. Let’s look at the different options, how they work and their advantages to help you determine which type of hybrid might best suit you.
Types of Hybrid Vehicles
Mild Hybrid
This type of hybrid has a small electric motor and a small battery is added to the ICE engine. In most cases, it only helps the internal combustion engine during acceleration and recovers energy during braking, this reduces fuel usage and gives improved economy.
Full Hybrid
There are 2 types of systems:
Series Hybrid
This type of hybrid is best described as being like an electric vehicle with a small petrol engine to charge the onboard battery to extend the driving range. While the electric motor is used for driving the wheels, the ICE engine is used for keeping the battery charged only.
Parallel Hybrid
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.
A parallel hybrid is also a self-charging hybrid car so there’s no need to plug it in to charge. The vehicle decides how and when to use the petrol and/or electric engines, and the battery that powers the electric motor is topped up by regenerative braking. So what is regenerative braking? This is a system where the vehicle captures kinetic energy generated when the vehicle slows down, or brakes, and uses it to recharge the electric battery.
The Plug-In Electric Hybrid (PHEV)
A PHEV parallel type hybrid – such as the Peugeot 508 GT Fastback – is much closer to a fully electric vehicle. This is because it has a more powerful electric motor and a larger capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged externally.
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.
An PHEV such as the PEUGEOT 408 GT Fastback PHEV, delivers the freedom to choose between petrol or electric driving, with the benefit of utilising the ICE for long trips or when you are not near a charging station.
Why drive a hybrid car?
For many people, the attraction of driving a hybrid vehicle is the option to utilise both electric and petrol engines, either individually or simultaneously. Hybrids also have the advantage of using less fuel than petrol and diesel vehicles and they produce lower levels of CO2, thanks to the combination of the electric battery and combustion engine power. Other driving benefits when driving in electric mode can include less noise, less vibration, smooth gear changes, reduced emissions and reduced petrol smells.
Which is the best hybrid car for you?
To find the best type of hybrid for your circumstances, you need to first understand your driving style, habits, patterns and behaviours. This will determine the best hybrid to service your needs. For example, if you live in a city the majority of the trips you make may be short, such as school drop off and shopping trips. Plus a PHEV can be easily charged with a mode 2 type 2 cable into a standard 240v at home, by using a wallbox or public charger, so a PHEV that lets you drive in electric mode most of the time could be perfect, such as the compact PEUGEOT 308 GT Sport Hatch Plug-In Hybrid or the family-friendly PEUGEOT 508 Sportswagon PHEV.
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.
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.
Common Hybrid Cars Myths
Myth: Hybrids are Slow
The truth is electric motors can have a faster acceleration response time than some ICE powered vehicles. This is because an electric motor delivers all its power as soon as you press the accelerator pedal, plus the powerful torque provided by the electric motor delivers smooth and responsive acceleration as the transmission is automatic.
Myth: Hybrids Have High Maintenance Costs
As all hybrids also have a traditional ICE engine, they have similar components to regular cars and require the same servicing, such as oil changes. In contrast, a hybrid’s electric engine is much simpler with fewer moving parts than an ICE engine and it requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance.
What does the future hold for hybrids?
Hybrid vehicles are here to stay and offer an important option for those not ready, or not wanting, to jump into an all-electric vehicle. The PHEV is becoming increasingly popular as it bridges the divide between ICE and all-electric vehicles, while also helping automobile manufacturer’s meet emission targets and goals.
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.
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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