Hybrid cars are slowly emerging as a popular alternative ever since mass market hybrid vehicle launches of Honda City, Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. Offering a unique blend of superior fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced performance, these vehicles have become the solution to beat the cost of skyrocketing fuel prices and the limited availability of EV charging infrastructure. Take a closer look at what hybrid cars are, their different types, how they function, and the many benefits they offer to drivers and the environment.
What is a Hybrid Car?
Put simply, a hybrid car is any vehicle that uses two sources of power to be driven. The hybrid cars we are familiar with are powered by a traditional combustion engine as well as battery-powered electric motors. This unique combination allows hybrid cars to offer a superior driving experience, while also reducing emissions and increasing fuel economy. A hybrid car uses the two sources of power in defined ways to make the most of the unique combination. Hybrid cars come in different types, including full hybrids, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extended electric vehicles.
How does a Hybrid Car Work?
Hybrid cars are designed to use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. The electric motor is powered by a battery that is charged by the engine and regenerative braking, while the engine runs on fuel. The car’s computer system decides which power source to use based on driving conditions, optimising fuel efficiency and minimising emissions.
Accelerating
When a hybrid car accelerates, the electric motor provides the initial boost of power to get the car moving. Once the car reaches a certain speed, the engine kicks in to provide additional power. The instant torque of the electric motor provides responsive acceleration from a stop, reducing the load on the engine.
Cruising
When cruising at a constant speed, the hybrid car will often rely solely on the fuel engine to maintain speed. In fact, they are the most efficient when they’re cruising at a constant, fixed speed. The engine at this time also charges the electric motor since it’s not at use. When the car slows done, the combustion engine switches off and the electric motor takes over upon reaching the right speed.
Energy Regeneration
When the hybrid car brakes, the electric motor works in reverse to generate electricity, which is stored in the car’s battery. This process is called regenerative braking and helps to recharge the battery while driving, improving fuel efficiency and reducing brake wear.
Driving in the City
Hybrid cars are particularly well-suited for driving in the city, where frequent starts and stops can quickly drain a conventional car’s fuel tank. The electric motor provides instant torque and can help the car accelerate quickly from a stop, while the engine provides power for higher speeds. During this time, hybrid cars drive like EVs and run solely on electric power. The engine, on the other hand, acts as a charger for the electric battery pack.
Driving on the Highway
On the highway, the engine provides most of the power for the hybrid car, although the electric motor may assist during passing or hill climbing. This can help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions at higher speeds.
What are the Different Types of Hybrid Cars?
Broadly speaking there are three main types of hybrid cars: mild hybrids, full hybrids and plugin hybrids.
- Mild Hybrids:
Mild hybrids are designed to provide some electric assist during acceleration and may use regenerative braking, but the electric motor is not powerful enough to propel the car on its own. Part of the reason why Maruti cars like Celerio Swift, Baleno and Ertiga manage to deliver a mileage over 20 km/l is due to mild hybrid tech.
- Full Hybrids:
Full hybrids, on the other hand, are designed to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds and can rely on the electric motor for propulsion. There are two types of full hybrids: parallel hybrids and series hybrids.
- Parallel Hybrids:
Parallel hybrids use both the engine and electric motor to provide power to the wheels simultaneously. This allows for greater power output and improved fuel efficiency. Some examples can be found in the Indian car market such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid, Toyota Hyryder strong hybrid, and the Honda City e:HEV.
- Series Hybrids:
Series hybrids, on the other hand, use the engine to generate electricity, which is then used to power the electric motor. The engine does not directly drive the wheels, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions hand in hand. A famous example of this car is the Toyota Prius, which is sold in several countries abroad.
- Plug-in Hybrids:
A plug-in hybrid car can be charged from an external power source, such as a wall outlet or a charging station. This allows the car to operate in electric-only mode for longer periods of time and can provide significant fuel savings for drivers who frequently drive short distances. There are several Porsche cars that are plug-in hybrids.
What are the Different Features of Hybrid Cars?
- Idle-off
One of the key features of a hybrid car is idle-off. This feature turns off the fuel engine when the car is stopped, such as at a traffic light or in traffic. The electric motor takes over and powers the car as well as other systems like the AC. When the driver takes their foot off the brake, the fuel engine seamlessly restarts, and the car is ready to move again.
- Quick Acceleration
Another feature of hybrid cars is quick acceleration. The electric motor provides instant torque, allowing the car to accelerate quickly from a standstill, as opposed to conventional engines which need to rev up before moving. The fuel engine kicks in to provide additional power when needed, resulting in smooth and powerful acceleration.
- Power Assist
Hybrid cars also have a power assist feature. The electric motor provides additional power to the fuel engine when needed, reducing the load on the engine and improving overall efficiency. This feature is especially helpful when driving uphill or when overtaking another vehicle.
- Regenerative Braking
Hybrid cars use regenerative braking to capture energy that is typically lost during braking. When the driver applies the brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the battery and can be used to power the car later, reducing the need for fuel.
What are the Components of a Hybrid Car?
| Component | Function |
| IC Engine | Provides power to propel the car forward |
| Electric Motor | Provides power to propel the car forward and assists the fuel engine |
| Battery | Stores energy generated by the electric motor and regenerative braking |
| Transmission | Transfers power from the engine and motor to the wheels |
| Inverter | Converts DC electricity from the battery to AC electricity to power the motor |
| Regenerative Braking System | Captures energy during braking and stores it in the battery |
| Power Split Device | Determines the most efficient way to distribute power between the engine and motor |
Advantages of Hybrid Cars:
- Better Fuel Economy: Hybrid cars use both fuel and electric power to run, resulting in better fuel economy compared to conventional fuel cars. This translates to cost savings for drivers over time.
- Highly Controlled NVH levels: Hybrid cars use electric motors that operate quietly, resulting in highly controlled Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels. This ensures a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
- No Range Anxiety: Unlike all-electric cars, hybrid cars do not rely solely on electric power, eliminating range anxiety. This means that drivers can travel longer distances without worrying about running out of power.
- Responsive Performance: Hybrid cars are known for their quick acceleration and high torque, making them a great option for drivers who enjoy a responsive driving experience without breaking the bank.
- Regenerative Braking: Hybrid cars use regenerative braking technology to help recharge their batteries, reducing the load on the engine and reducing energy wastage.
- More Evergreen: As more people switch to hybrid cars, the demand for them is increasing, resulting in better resale value for owners. This makes them a good investment for the long term.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars:
- More Upfront Costs: Hybrid cars are generally more expensive to buy than conventional fuel cars due to their advanced technology and features.
A clear example of this is the Toyota Hyryder hybrid starts from Rs 15.61 lakhs, while the petrol trims start from Rs 10.48 lakhs, a whopping 48.95% more! Some of this can be attributed to the fact that hybrid tech is more expensive, while some can be blamed at lack of demand due to which automakers only equip their hybrid versions at the top level trim.
- Maintenance Costs: Hybrid cars have a more complex drivetrain and battery system, which can result in higher maintenance costs over time. The maintenance required for a hybrid car will be mostly for the combustion engine, which needs fluid changes and part replacements at regular intervals.
- Battery Life: While all manufacturers offer warranties of more than five years for their batteries, battery life of a hybrid car cannot be ignored. With regular use, the hybrid car’s battery will not be able to hold its charge and will require a replacement to maintain driving performance.
- Charging Requirements: While most hybrid cars are self charging through regenerative braking systems, the batteries in plugin hybrid models don’t charge on their own. One has to connect a plug-in hybrid vehicle to an external power socket. In this case, many people think that buying an EV is more worthwhile if charging is absolutely necessary anyways, since EVs are even cheaper to run and maintain.
- Less Tax Incentives: Despite being more expensive than conventional fuel cars, most states in India don’t provide any tax incentives or subsidies (except for Tamil Nadu). At the same time, all-electric cars receive a lot of government subsidies, making them more attractive to some buyers.
What Are Hybrid Cars: Summary
In conclusion, hybrid cars are the perfect choice for drivers who want to save on fuel costs without compromising on performance. These vehicles are a unique blend of traditional combustion engines and electric motors, offering superior fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced performance. With the availability of different types of hybrid cars such as series, parallel, and plug-in hybrids, drivers have more options to choose from based on their individual preferences and driving habits. In addition, Hybrid cars also have several benefits for the environment, including reduced emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels. This may also mean in the case of India, that in the near future the government may provide some subsidies. Overall, hybrid cars have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional vehicles, and with more manufacturers introducing hybrid models, it’s clear that the future of the automotive industry is headed in the direction of sustainable transportation.
FAQ about Hybrid Cars
What is a hybrid car and how does it work?
A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses both an electric motor and a petrol engine to power the vehicle. The electric motor is used to start and move the car at relatively lower speeds (typically below 60 km/h), while the fuel engine comes in to provide an additional power boost during acceleration and high-speed driving. The car’s battery pack is charged through regenerative braking, where energy that would be lost during braking is instead used to recharge the battery.
Does a hybrid car need petrol?
A hybrid car most certainly does need petrol as it has an Internal Combustion engine alongside the electric motor. The fuel engine is smaller than the engine in a traditional car, and it is only used to provide additional power when needed. This means that hybrid cars use significantly less petrol than traditional cars, resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In mild hybrid cars, the dependency on petrol further increases as it plays an even more pivotal role.
What are the benefits of a hybrid car?
The benefits of a hybrid car include better fuel efficiency, lower running costs, reduced emissions and improved performance. Hybrid cars are also quieter than traditional cars and require less maintenance due to their regenerative braking system.
How long does a hybrid car battery last?
The lifespan of a hybrid car battery depends on several factors, including the make and model of the car, driving habits, and environmental conditions. Generally, hybrid car batteries are designed to last anywhere between 5-10 years. Some manufacturers, like Honda, Toyota, and Maruti Suzuki, offer warranties for up to 8 years on hybrid car batteries. However, the main issue is the frequency of discharge. As hybrid cars age, the battery life decreases which takes a toll on the efficiency and overall performance of the vehicle.
Which is better, a hybrid car or an electric car?
It depends on the individual’s driving needs and preferences. Electric cars are powered entirely by electricity and have zero emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option. However, they have limited range and require charging infrastructure. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, have a fuel engine that provides additional power when needed and can go farther distances without requiring charging. They are also more widely available and require less infrastructure than electric cars.
