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Top 5 Myths About Hybrid Cars Busted

  • Mar 17, 2022
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Feeling unsure about buying a hybrid vehicle? We’ve addressed some common myths related to maintenance and performance to help you ease your decision

With ever-increasing fuel prices, the Indian automotive market is inching towards an all-electric future. To ease the transition of adapting to newer technology, the option of hybrid vehicles is emerging as a sensible choice. 

However, with a sea of misinformation flooding the market, it is no wonder an average motorist is skeptical about making the switch. Today, we’re going to fill in those gaps and bust some of the most popular myths when it comes to hybrid cars. 

Hybrid are heavily dependent on the car’s internal combustion engine   

False. There are essentially two types of hybrid electric vehicles: Mild Hybrids (MHEV) and Full Hybrids (FHEV). 

A mild hybrid uses a small electric motor and battery. This motor kicks in only when required, and for just a short period of time to assist the combustion engine during acceleration. Compared to a full hybrid system, mild hybrids are extremely reliant on the combustion engine and cannot work independently. 

A full hybrid system, on the other hand, uses a bigger motor and battery. An FHEV also relies on the electric motor more frequently and for a longer period than the MHEV. A full hybrid car can start driving on pure electric power and then switch to ICE at higher speeds. Also, the engine can shut down fully at cruising speed, and can be taken over by the electric motor. Since it often alternates with the combustion engine, a full hybrid car can offer approximately 25 to 40 percent more efficiency than your standard petrol or diesel offerings. 

Hybrids are expensive to maintain 

False. It costs the same to maintain a hybrid car compared to a conventional car. The costs may be lower, considering they put less wear and tear on the engine. 

Hybrids also make use of a regenerative braking system, which allow the brakes and the brake pads to undergo less wear. 

Also Read: Hybrid Tech: The Perfect Solution To India’s EV Problem

Compared to EVs, hybrid cars make use of a tried and tested technology. You can get them repaired or serviced at most OEM authorised service stations. 

Hybrids need to be plugged in to charge

False. Unlike fully electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids, both full and mild-hybrid cars do not need to be charged via a connector. Instead, they can be charged in two different ways. First, via the car’s petrol or diesel-powered engine itself, or through a method known as regenerative braking, which slowly charges your battery each time you hit the brakes. 

They are tuned for efficiency and not performance

ZW-Honda-Hybrid

False. The image of a slow and sputtering hybrid vehicle is a thing of the past. In today’s time, the opposite is true. Most hybrids come with compact batteries and electric motors, which allows the combustion engine to be smaller and lighter. 

Additionally, since the electric motor works alongside the engine, it can provide an additional boost to the engine’s output, generating instant acceleration. Hence, some hybrid cars are more powerful than their petrol or diesel-powered alternatives. 

Their batteries don’t last long 

False. This myth has often put fear in the minds of many car buyers about hybrid vehicles. In reality, many manufacturers offer long-term warranties on their batteries, which themselves are tough and long-lasting. When properly maintained, it may not need replacing for over 1 lakh kilometres. And since it is also smaller than the one found on an all-electric car, replacing it is way more economical in comparison. 

Today, as a consumer, you no longer need to decide between making an environmentally conscious choice or a practical one. By adapting to hybrid technology, you can have the best of both worlds, without needing to compromise on performance or cost. 

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