Are you concerned about how certain hybrids operate or their benefits over others? Here, we dispel any lingering confusion over the new terminology of hybrid mechanics, such as mild-hybrid, HEV, or PHEV.
Each has a trick up their sleeves that will persuade a particular type of driver, but their significant priorities are efficiency and fuel economy.
Hybrid vehicles have been discussed extensively in recent years. There is no denying that they represent electrification’s most immediate future as a transitional stage.
Long-standing manufacturers of this kind of mechanics include Toyota and its sibling brand, Lexus, which provides a similar alternative in practically all of its vehicles.
Even well-known automakers like Porsche have already entered the market, bucking the stereotype that “hybrids are boring” by providing cars that are just as sporty as before but with an added efficiency that is impossible to ignore.
Nearly all of the well-known companies will eventually provide this kind of car. Since self-charging hybrid engines (HEV) or plug-in (PHEV) allow the automobile a few kilometers of 100% electric displacement, lowering fuel consumption and pollution, certain manufacturers, like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes, have already incorporated models with part of this technology. This ensures that they will receive the DGT’s ECO or ZERO designation.
Both mild hybrid and HEV vehicles carry the DGT ECO label. However, PHEVs typically have the ZERO label due to their excellent 100% electric autonomy.
These engines are distinguished by having batteries of varying sizes, depending on the hybridization type, along with an electric motor that functions in conjunction with the conventional thermal engine.
The mechanic is stopped, or assistance is provided to generate power with the least effort when the electric block is in use, lowering fuel consumption.
Three basic categories of cars feature hybridization. First, there are mild, semi-hybrids, or light hybrids, which have a virtually limitless number of references.
The next step is the self-recharging hybrids (HEV), followed by the plug-in hybrids (PHEV). If you are considering purchasing one of them now or shortly but are unsure of how they differ and what advantages they offer, we will go through each in this article.
Benefits of semi-hybrid vehicles (mild-hybrid)
These designs were developed to lower vehicle fuel consumption. The system, which has a 48-volt battery, will perform at its best when necessary, even going without the force or power of the heat engine to continue moving.
The implementation of the so-called “sailing mode” while traveling at a constant speed on any road is a good illustration of this.
When we let off the gas, the system will assist in helping us maintain speed while momentarily disabling the combustion engine while maintaining full functionality for the brakes and steering.
Many automobiles, such as the Mazda3, have chosen to attach a tiny battery to increase the effectiveness of their mechanical systems.
It assists in starting a vehicle in several other models as well. When the thermal engine is working hard, the battery will only provide a limited amount of support, lowering consumption and dangerous gas emissions.
Although, as I mentioned, it lends a helping hand to the more conventional mechanics because it lacks the power and skill to operate the car independently.
Regenerative braking is used to recharge this battery on its own. When this technology is in operation, the driver won’t even sense it; they’ll only be able to tell it’s working by how smoothly the car starts up or, more directly, by the consumption data, which shows a noticeable drop in some routes.
One of its most significant benefits is that it drives like a classic car with traditional mechanics, adding efficiency and reduced consumption benefits.
Its inability to drive the car entirely electrically and limit its use to assisting the thermal engine is the crucial distinction between this mild-hybrid system and a standard hybrid (HEV).
Additionally, it has a significantly smaller weight, is technically much easier, and is noticeably more inexpensive at the time of purchase. However, it will also sport the coveted ECO designation from the DGT, just like more traditional hybrids.
Self-recharging hybrid vehicles’ benefits (HEV)
One of the top manufacturers of self-recharging hybrids is Toyota.
The self-recharging hybrids, the next level up from traditional combinations, are what most people think of when they hear the word “hybrid car.”
As noted in the previous section, these vehicles’ primary advantage over mild hybrids is their capacity for all-electric driving.
Although its autonomy is not exceptional, it will be at its best when traffic is sluggish, as it frequently is on urban roads, because as long as the batteries are charged, we may move without using any gas and without releasing any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A thermal engine—either a gasoline or diesel engine—and an electric motor are used in the propulsion system.
The electric motor is powered by a system of self-recharging batteries that are charged by the vehicle’s motion.
The regenerative system will utilize the vehicle’s movement, braking, usage of the engine brake, or inertia to charge the batteries.
Even though its driving is not significantly different from thermal mechanics, it is practical to modify the driving to the system. It will ensure its electric component in this way and utilize each kilometer to recharge the car’s batteries.
One of its many benefits is that many people find it peaceful while driving wholly and usually silent when starting the car in pure electric mode.
We have already covered how to operate a hybrid vehicle effectively and the need for controlled, smooth handling, primarily to increase the battery’s capacity and speed up regeneration.
The new Toyota Corolla has highly successful dynamics and a self-recharging battery.
Its main advantage over semi-hybrid vehicles is that it can drive for free because it doesn’t use petrol when using only electricity, as was already explained.
Regarding PHEVs, their autonomy at “zero emissions” is significantly reduced because of their poorer recharging independence, which prevents them from having an electric displacement without a plug.
Their market price is lower than a plug-in but higher than a combustion engine vehicle or a semi-hybrid. A mix of this type is excellent if your circulation is typically centered on urban use.
In addition, the DGT will give your car the ECO certification, allowing you to drive around large cities without worrying about traffic restrictions.
Benefits of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrids are riding the wave and serving as a precursor to completely electric automobiles (PHEV). Compared to HEVs, these vehicles provide the driver with a more excellent driving range.
They typically allow us to drive them entirely on electricity for 40 to 60 kilometers on average, a distance that may be enhanced if we operate smoothly and effectively. The DGT’s ZERO label is accessible thanks to these models.
The Kia Niro PHEV is one of the industry standard vehicles for plug-in vehicles.
Although it is the most expensive acquisition cost of the three, we must consider the fuel savings it will provide.
Consider someone whose central daily commute is the trip to the office or shopping in a city like Madrid, for example.
When he stops the car at the office or his house, he plugs it into an electrical socket to ensure enough juice for his journeys.
The thermal engine will likely not be used by that person, resulting in systematic fuel savings. There are many benefits to using this kind of vehicle.
Contrary to HEVs or mild hybrids, it has a combustion engine that supports the electrified mechanics’ electric drive, beginning when necessary owing to a shortage of power or charge in the battery system.
In addition to recharging through a power outlet, this will also be done while we are driving independently, just like in an HEV, so that by driving conscientiously in saving and regenerating energy, we can acquire the most efficient vehicle.
The technology will be able to maintain hybrid driving in the event of a journey through swift routes or highways; that is, the electric mechanics will support the thermal, reducing travel expenses and offering high autonomy.
