Globally, the popularity of electric vehicles is growing quickly. Despite a slower adoption rate, interest is rising in South Africa. The market is currently being led by hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles use a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and battery to increase efficiency. The battery pack is charged by the petrol engine, and braking energy is also collected and stored as energy.
Most high-quality hybrids have a range of power modes, from eco to power. You won’t have to worry about running out of charge, unlike pure electric vehicles (EVs), because the combustion engine is always available when you need it.
Before purchasing a hybrid car, you should think about the benefits and downsides listed below.
Benefits
• Sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions are less, which is environmentally friendly.
• Savings on fuel costs.
• Less noisy than standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
• The engine of the car experiences less wear and tear, necessitating less maintenance.
• Due to the hybrid battery being powered by your engine, there is no “range anxiety” as there is with fully electric vehicles.
Downsides
• Higher upfront costs, although they are still more affordable than EVs.
• Batteries are costly and need to be replaced after around 10 years.
• Hybrids are not fuel-efficient for highway driving since they require more fuel at higher speeds.
• Hybrid engine repairs are expensive.
Information from MotorHappy
