The current green revolution is encouraging more people to buy hybrid cars. These vehicles can help you save some money on gasoline. You can use either the gas engine, the electric motor, or both. Many car manufacturers offer hybrid cars. Below are some valuable details to consider when it comes to purchasing hybrid cars.
The Types of Hybrid Cars
Knowing the different types of hybrid cars available can give you an idea of which one can meet your needs. It can take some time to decide which one is for you. Below are the four types you should know more about.
Light, mild, or micro-hybrid cars
These are the result of crossing electric vehicles and full hybrid vehicles. The battery part of these vehicles can give the gasoline engine a boost. These cars may not provide huge savings, but they can increase the range of traditional vehicles.
Parallel hybrid cars
These vehicles are the most common hybrid vehicles. They offer an electric motor that works with the gasoline engine. A parallel hybrid car can run with a combination of a gas engine and electric motor. It can also use either an electric motor or a gas engine. Choosing which engine should function depends on the current situation.
Range-extended hybrids
These hybrids use an electric motor to run. The electric motor powers the wheels. The gas engine recharges the battery and extends the run of the vehicle a little more. Range-extended hybrids can use the battery power and then plug in to refuel. The engine is only for recharging the battery until the vehicle can plug in.
Plug-in hybrids
These hybrids are a combination of an electric vehicle and a hybrid. They are also known as PHEV cars. These vehicles need to plug in to fully charge. You can use the battery for short drives. The gasoline engine will start functioning during long drives.
Regenerative Braking
These cars can lead to significant savings. They can also reduce your carbon impact on the environment. Hybrids are innovative. Even so, you should consider some unique traits that are far from what you usually get from traditional cars.
Hybrid cars use regenerative braking. Their motors also serve as generators that store the car’s inertia when it goes down the hill, brakes, or coasts. This type of energy enters the battery pack for later reuse. This feature is what makes hybrids efficient. Years ago, this feature also made braking feel a little strange. It is less than what you get from a traditional car.
The hybrid braking technology has already improved. After much development, drivers will not notice the braking difference between traditional and hybrid cars. The variations between traditional and hybrid vehicles are disappearing. The reliable braking system in hybrids is more than enough to convince you to get one.
Improved Acceleration and Transmission
The acceleration in earlier hybrid cars is a little strange as well. There is a delayed response when you step on the accelerator. You may also feel a jerking motion when you turn the engine on or off. Hybrid cars do not have traditional transmissions. They do not produce the shift sensation you know in traditional vehicles. This produces unexpected sounds.
Modern hybrid cars have improved smoothness and responsiveness. Many manufacturers use traditional step-gear transmissions. This allows easier driving. You may not notice the strange acceleration in the hybrid car you purchase now.
Lower Mileage in Extreme Cold
The mileage often diminishes in the winter. This becomes more evident in extreme winter conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency states that there is a 30-34% drop in 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional cars become less efficient during the cold months because of the following reasons:
- Gas engines run at a higher rpm for longer to maintain the right temperature and pollution control.
- Fluids become colder, which results in more friction.
- Slippery roads waste fuel and decrease traction.
- Winter grades of gasoline provide less energy for each consumed gallon.
A warm battery has a higher capacity than a cold one. The cold battery has less space for regenerative braking. This decreases a car’s efficiency.
Fewer Brake Jobs
Hybrid cars can save you significant amounts on gasoline and brake jobs. This is what regenerative braking can give you. It uses the motors as generators to slow down without any friction at all. The brake pads in this system have minimal contact with the vehicle’s drums or discs. This allows these parts to last longer.
Earlier hybrid cars had brake systems that did not move enough. This results in insufficient heating, which allows moisture to stay in the brakes. This made brake jobs necessary. Modern hybrid cars have better moving brake systems. This prevents water retention. It also reduces the need for brake jobs.
Purchasing Hybrid Cars Is Better for the Environment and Your Pocket
Years ago, hybrid cars were inferior to traditional cars. Specific features such as brake systems and acceleration always had issues. Modern hybrid cars are far better than their precursors. Hybrid car technology is blurring the differences between traditional and hybrid vehicles. The mentioned details can help solidify your decision to purchase the right type of hybrid car.
References:
https://www.cars.com/articles/so-you-want-to-buy-a-hybrid-car-6-things-to-know-433781/
https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290
https://www.repairsmith.com/i/blog/hybrid-cars-all-you-need-know-before-buying-one/
