Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Power

A hybrid vehicle uses one or more means of energy power, combining an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, working simultaneously to move the car. With an electric engine in the system, the ICE consumes minimal gas requirement; thus, attaining fuel efficiency than a conventional vehicle. Hybrid vehicles can switch between the petrol engine and electric motor to operate or combine them as the need arises.

Types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars. The electric motor enables better performance of the vehicle. In a parallel hybrid, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor work together. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power the electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to propel the ICE. The battery can be recharged either from an external source by plugging a charging cable into a wall socket or from the electricity stored in the rechargeable battery packs. If the charge has depleted, the engine system will automatically switch over to use ICE to move the vehicle forward.

In a series hybrid, the electric motor is the sole source of powering the vehicle. To power the engine, the motor receives supply from either the battery or generator. A series hybrid is like a battery electric-operated vehicle. Hybrid electric vehicles make use of regenerative brakes that converts kinetic energy to electric energy that is stored in the battery. Some electric cars use the ICE to turn an electrical generator that recharges the battery or directly power its electric drive motors.

Hybrid cars are energy-efficient as they tend to use the engine power only for accelerating or when extra speed is needed. Low-speed driving or decelerating hybrid vehicles mostly use their electrical power, and when the engine isn’t required, it disengaged altogether. Hybrid cars reduce carbon dioxide emissions since they typically move on electric-only power at low speed.

Overall, a hybrid vehicle rewards the driver with a more relaxing and quieter experience. Aside from having cost-efficient fuel consumption, they are one of the best luxury and safety vehicles. In the Philippines, some hybrid models offered include Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Ioniq, Geely Azkarra, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Advantages of hybrid cars. Gas-electric hybrid cars are gaining momentum for buyers as worthy options because of their innovation, efficiency, and affordability features. If there are other means of energy to make the car move, hybrids require less gasoline thereby achieving better fuel economy. Listed below are some of the pros or benefits of hybrid cars:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) save fuel. They combine both the internal consumption engine and the electric engine motors that utilize energy power from the batteries to run. When electric motors and gasoline engines work simultaneously, they conserve energy and reduce power consumption.

HEVs are environment-friendly. They’ve got electric motors that make them run smoothly and cleanly, with less fossil fuel dependency. To aid the environment, an electric car is a step forward. Running them on the road is environmentally friendly as they reduce carbon emissions and help prevent air pollution and greenhouse gasses. Because they’re getting more popular, with the price being reasonable for their quality; many consumers are seeing them as the better option.

The use of brakes is energy-efficient. They have an efficient regenerative braking system as an energy recovery mechanism. While driving, every time you apply the brake, the electric battery recharges. Regenerative brakes return the energy used to slow cars back to the battery compartment.

HEVs have higher resale value. Hybrids are somewhat expensive, but fuel consumption is more costly for conventional cars. The price of gasoline is steadily increasing, and more people are switching to hybrid power. The price of fuel increases while the cost of technology decreases but constantly innovates. According to Conserve Energy Future, “There are many advantages to owning a hybrid. The one you will like the best is how it helps you as gas prices continue to escalate.” If you shift to hybrid cars and are not satisfied with them you can resell them and negotiate the best deal.

Disadvantages of hybrid cars. No cars are built in perfect standing, as technology improves every day, newer models and upgrade car features are regularly introduced to buyers to satisfy tastes and preferences. While driving a hybrid car rewards the driver of many cost-benefits and personal comfort, they also carry some disadvantages while moving the vehicle around.

Hybrid cars have less power. While they’ve got dual-powered engines, an electric motor and a gasoline engine, the main source of power is the much smaller gasoline engine. They usually have less overall horsepower capacity than traditional cars. The combined engine power is often less powerful compared to a single powered engine, allowing hybrid cars more appropriate for short distances or city driving.

Hybrid cars are still expensive. While the market might offer a reasonable price range for a hybrid car, the selling value is far from what you believe. There’re a lot of hybrid cars to choose from brand, body, model, and color- but your preference may all size up to a bigger budget. The cheapest may be at PHP 1.25 million, but that’s for the base model. If you are after more added features or creative comforts like a better sound system or a leather interior, it could cost around 1.6, at the least. Nevertheless, the tall price can be counterweighed with tax incentives and fuel efficiency.

Hybrid vehicles carry a high voltage in batteries. That being the case, accidental contact is fatal. The electrocution from high voltage batteries between 60 and 1500 volts can prove lethal. Auto repair shops are aware of the hazards they may be exposed to when repairing or maintaining electric and hybrid vehicles. In case of an accident, a chance of getting electrocuted is highly probable, which can make the task harder for rescuers to save the passengers out of the car.

Finding a seasoned mechanic for hybrid vehicles may be difficult. Technology issues in HVs are common because of complex innovations in technology. Repairing or fixing technical issues by yourself is hard unlike in conventional cars when fixes can be done quickly. HVs have an electric motor that is all complex to do it yourself.

Are hybrids worth your money? If you’re aiming for fuel economy, and eco-friendly car, you might as well get the best buy because it’s worth the price. Hybrids are more convenient to drive in urban areas, more relaxing, and look cooler to move around. They’re smoother in operation that added to overall comfort. They essentially combine the two engines to tune up effortlessly. They consume less fuel than traditional cars but in terms of speed and acceleration during long trips, they can be short of performance. Given the pros and cons, and the way you prefer them, the benefits of driving hybrids far outweigh the disadvantages of keeping them.

Interested? You can check out Automart.PH for our stocks of second-hand cars. Even though hybrids aren't common in the used-car market, you can visit the site to see if there are any available.