The advantages of electric cars are now well known everywhere. We know that it is our responsibility to protect the environment. This is possible for us with the use of e-cars. Environmental researchers affirm how important it is that electric cars will soon replace vehicles with combustion engines. Nevertheless, there are many motorists who do not want to forego the advantages of a combustion engine. So what if a vehicle could combine a combustion engine and an electric motor? This is what the hybrid vehicles were made for.
But as a combination, not only such vehicles are offered that combine a combustion engine and an electric motor. A combination of combustion engine and gas engine are versions that have quickly gained popularity.
But how exactly do hybrid cars work and what are the arguments for buying one? We want to go into this in more detail below.
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What is meant by hybrid vehicles?
Hybrid generally means: from two different origins. So here two different drives are combined in one vehicle. The combination of electric motor and combustion engine in one vehicle is the most widespread. But there is also the combination of electric motor and gas drive, although this version is not quite as well known.
The hybrid car drives largely electrically. Especially on routes that are not so long or are driven at reduced speeds, such as in the city. The vehicle's battery can also be recharged during a journey that is powered by the electric motor. It also acts as a starter for the petrol engine or diesel engine. However, if longer distances are to be driven and at higher speeds, the combustion engine is also switched on. So if, apart from a lot of driving in the city, you also drive a lot on long distances, such as on the motorway, and drive there at increased speed, then a hybrid car is exactly the vehicle you need. There is a control system here that is responsible for when which drive is used. Depending on driving style and situation, said system selects which combination is currently the most economical.
A start-stop system regulates the change between the combustion engine and the electric motor. If the car is stationary or if the driver brakes, the combustion engine switches off. When braking, the battery is also charged through energy recovery.
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid is also known as a PHEV, which stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This vehicle is characterized by the fact that it can be recharged not only by the excess energy generated when braking, but also by electricity via a simple electrical connection. Hence the name “plug-in”, which means something like “plug in.”
The range may also vary depending on the capacity of the battery. So it depends entirely on the configuration of the car whether short or long distances can be covered.
There is also the micro-hybrid. This is a vehicle with a combustion engine, which, however, has not been combined with an electric motor. So this isn't actually an original hybrid. Fuel is only saved because energy can be recovered when braking.
Finally, a mild hybrid vehicle is also available. Here the electric motor is not powerful enough to keep the vehicle moving on its own. The combustion engine is therefore essential here. The electric motor only acts as an increase in the performance of the combustion engine. Many Mercedes or BMW models have been manufactured in this way.
How are hybrid vehicles refueled?
Of course, the combustion engine still needs fuel here. Depending on which model you are driving and which engine you have, you can fill up with conventional diesel or petrol at normal gas stations. The electric motor also ensures that the drive battery charges itself. Therefore, you can do without an additional active charge. However, a plug-in hybrid can be charged as normal using an energy source. Be it at home at a wall box or at stationary filling stations specially designed for this purpose.
But what are the actual advantages of a hybrid vehicle?
The advantages of a hybrid vehicle can easily be listed. First of all, hybrid vehicles are of course very low in emissions and therefore an enrichment for the environment. But the reduced noise pollution can also score points when hybrid vehicles are used in the city center. If only hybrid vehicles were to be found on the roads here, the noise level in the city would be reduced many times over.
But another plus here is the fact that the electric motor in a hybrid vehicle can save up to 50% of fuel. If you extrapolate this to annual fuel expenditure, you will see what a considerable amount of money can be saved here.
And there are also serious advantages for motorists who like to drive in a sporty manner: the extremely sporty and striking acceleration of a hybrid car means that motorists who are enthusiastic about sport get their money's worth. This is due to the fact that electric drives can already use their energy almost completely in the lower speed range. This makes sporty starting at traffic lights or overtaking particularly easy. Even a rather heavy SUV can stand out with a sporty driving style. A vehicle that is only powered by a conventional combustion engine usually needs a much higher horsepower for the same performance.
The conclusion and a tip from CarTipsandmore: In summary, it can be said that not only electric cars are on the rise. Hybrid vehicles are also becoming more and more popular, among other things due to the serious advantages that hybrids bring with them. A hybrid vehicle is particularly attractive to you, especially if you drive a lot in the city center but also like to cover longer distances on the freeway in your car. However, drivers who like to start off in a sporty manner or who want to overtake as safely and quickly as possible will also get their money's worth with hybrid vehicles. At this point, CarTipsandmore advises you to also benefit from possible government subsidies when buying a hybrid vehicle. If you want to buy a plug-in hybrid here, for example, you can expect to receive a purchase bonus of up to 3,000 euros. So don't hesitate any longer and take advantage of this – simply arrange a test drive with a hybrid vehicle at your trusted car dealer!
