There’s been a lot of talk, both online and off, about hybrid cars. But do you know the difference between hybrids and conventional cars? And what about hybrids and electric cars? Moreover, hybrid cars may be a good option in these times of rising fuel prices and environmental pollution. Let’s find out how.
What are hybrid cars?
Hybrid cars are vehicles that employ internal combustion engines as well as electric motors for momentum. Since they have internal combustion engines they need fuel, but the primary fuel used is petroleum. Generally, you will not find diesel hybrids among automobiles.
Difference between hybrid and traditional cars
Hybrid cars have small batteries which are used to power their electric motors but these are not the rechargeable kind you find on electric vehicles. Instead, these batteries are charged through the process known as regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the energy generated when the brakes are applied to charge the battery. This energy is immediately reused when you accelerate the next time. This delays the start of the gasoline engine and helps you save fuel. Hence, a hybrid car offers significantly better fuel economy than a non-hybrid traditional car.
Difference between hybrid and electric cars
As we have said before, a hybrid car has an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor to help it run. On the other hand, purely electric cars run on only a battery and an electric motor. While a hybrid car’s battery is small, electric vehicles have much larger rechargeable batteries. Electric cars only use electricity and do not need fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel to move. Thus, these vehicles are pollution free unlike hybrids which switch to petrol once the battery runs low
Advantages of a hybrid car
Choosing a hybrid car over a traditional gasoline vehicle can be advantageous for the following reason:
Fuel economy
The fuel economy displayed by hybrid cars is one of their best features. A hybrid car requires much lower fuel levels to run since it can also use battery power to move. This alternation between battery power and fuel ensures that it achieves much higher mileage per liter as compared to traditional fuel powered cars. Thus, they help in considerably reducing your fuel bill. With the rising price of fuel these days this is definitely a great advantage to have.
Regenerative braking
The regenerative braking feature of hybrid cars converts kinetic energy generated during braking into electric energy. This energy is then used when the car begins to move again, thus conserving petrol.
Reduced emissions
Since hybrid cars are partially powered by batteries these vehicles require less fuel to run and consequently have lower emission levels than conventional cars. Hence these cars are extremely popular among environmentally conscious drivers.
Better resale value
Rising fuel prices have meant that car owners are now looking for cheaper alternatives, making the dual-powered hybrid car an attractive option. Hence these vehicles command a higher price in the used car market as well
Improved performance
Hybrid cars offer drivers better performance than conventional fuel-powered cars. This is due to the electric motor which gives the vehicle extra power and torque which leads to better acceleration and improved overall performance.
Thus, hybrid cars are a cross between conventional fuel-powered cars and electric cars. Hybrids offer a number of benefits in comparison to conventional fuel-power vehicles. These include enhanced fuel efficiency, regenerative braking, lower pollution levels, improved resale value, and overall better performance. This results in long-term fuel cost savings making these cars extremely attractive to car buyers. Hence, if you are planning on buying a car, you should add a hybrid to your list of options.
