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Electric Car Range Comparison: Who Goes for The Gold?

When it comes to considering an electric vehicle purchase, many would-be buyers express concerns about the vehicles’ range. How frequently would the car need to be charged? How far can it travel between charges? What happens if I get stuck somewhere without a place to charge the vehicle and it runs out of power? 

Fortunately, advances in technology have dramatically expanded the range capabilities of many electric vehicles, with some even boasting ranges comparable to the distance a similar gas-powered vehicle can travel on a single tank of fuel.

Still, the ranges of electric cars on the market today vary widely, and many factors can influence how far you can go on a single charge. Below, we’ll dive into electric car range comparisons from the most popular manufacturers and share helpful tips for maximizing your range.

Choosing a Vehicle with a Range that Fits Your Lifestyle

The range of an electric car plays a significant role in its price tag, so it’s important to balance your daily distance needs with your car-buying budget. If your commute to work is modest and you don’t make extended trips for shopping or other activities, a car with a lower range may suit you just fine. 

On the other hand, if you do a lot of driving for work or children’s activities, it makes sense to spend a bit more to get a car with extended range. You should also research the locations of electric vehicle charging stations in your region, which may influence the model you choose to buy. Larger cities tend to have a more abundant supply of EV stations, while they may be few and far between in rural areas, which means you’ll have to rely mostly on charging your car at home.

Getting the Best Range from Your EV

Similar to your gas mileage with a traditional car, your electric vehicle driving habits can dramatically impact how much distance you can achieve before you need to “refuel.” The following recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy can help you maximize both range and MPGe.  

  • Don’t overload accessories: Nonessential systems like air conditioning and media players use more power than you might think. Try to minimize their use if you’re concerned about range.
  • Stay in economy mode when possible: Many electric cars feature an economy mode that streamlines the car’s energy use to conserve battery life.
  • Handle climate control before leaving: Consider pre-heating or pre-cooling your car to your desired temperature while it’s still plugged in; your car will use far less power to maintain the temperature once you’re on the road.
  • Plan ahead for braking: Hard braking not only wastes energy, it also prevents your regenerative braking system from functioning at its peak. Stay alert to road conditions and other drivers’ behavior so you can brake gradually as much as possible, which will charge your battery as you brake.
  • Watch your speed: Efficiency plummets at speeds higher than 50 miles per hour, so observe the posted speed limit to extend your range (as a bonus, you’ll also avoid getting a speeding ticket).
  • Keep your tires properly inflated and remove unnecessary cargo from the car. No matter what kind of car you drive, these habits will help you maximize your vehicle’s efficiency.

Comparing the Ranges of Today’s Electric Cars

Nissan Leaf

One of the first mass-market electric vehicles, the compact Nissan Leaf has evolved to meet growing consumer demand, offering an optional larger battery pack that markedly increased its power and range. The Leaf starts at just under $30,000 for the base model with the smaller 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, which delivers 147 HP and a 150-mile range. 

For about $7,000 more, you’ll get the 62 kWh battery, which extends the power to 214 HP and range to 226 miles. The Leaf also provides three charging options: a 240V cable that provides a full charge in 8 hours for the small battery and 11.5 hours for the large one; a DC quick-charging option that gets the batteries to 80 percent in an hour or less; and a standard household 120V cable that lets you connect anywhere in a pinch.  

Kia Niro EV

This affordable electric crossover seats five adults and starts at $38,500. It boasts a range of up to 239 miles on a single charge, thanks in part to its aerodynamically-designed exterior that’s designed to minimize resistance and an active air flap that helps cool the motor while limiting both drag and noise. 

The Niro offers the same versatile charging options as the Leaf: Level 1 (120V) household outlets, Level 2 (240V) public charging stations and DC fast chargers. Its newly-enhanced drivetrain has a combined system output of 201 HP and 291 foot-pounds of torque as well as a zippy sport mode.

Audi e-tron

While the Audi e-tron occupies the middle of the pack with its 204-mile range, it gets top marks for safety and performance. The e-tron made the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks in 2019 and earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its five-mode suspension includes an off-road option, and the e-tron surges from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. 

The vehicle also comes with a home charging capsule that fully charges the battery in about nine hours with a 240V connection as well as a free 1,000 kWh at Electrify America fast-charging stations for use within the first four years of ownership. Prices start at around $75,000 for a basic model and $79,000 for premium trim.

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric leads most of its competitors with an impressive 258-mile range and a price tag that starts around $37,000. Comfort, Eco and Sport modes allow drivers to adjust for various road conditions, while push-button start, heated front seats and a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system with SiriusXM and HD radio come standard. 

The vehicle also comes with Hyundai’s generous warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles for electric battery and powertrain and five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.

Polestar 2

Set to arrive in the U.S. in summer 2020, the Polestar 2 is a four-door hatchback with 300 kWh all-wheel drive and a powerful 78 kWh battery that’s expected to hit a 275-mile range. Polestar is a sub-brand of Volvo, so you can be confident in its safety and quality. 

The vehicle is expected to deliver serious performance as well, taking less than five seconds to go from zero to 60 miles per hour. The estimated price of the Polestar 2 is expected to start at around $63,000.

Porsche Taycan

Drivers seeking the pinnacle of luxury and performance are sure to fall in love with the Porsche Taycan. With a pair of motors generating nearly 600 HP, the Taycan 4S hits 60 miles per hour in a blazing 3.8 seconds while still managing a maximum range of 192 miles and a top track speed of 155 miles per hour. Adding up base price, delivery and equipment, you’ll shell out nearly $115,000 for this enviable electric ride.

Chevy Bolt

Starting around $37,000, the compact Chevy Bolt promises 259 miles of range on a single charge. Charging options include 120V, 240V and DC quick charging, and the Bolt’s Target Charge Level mode allows you to set a charging range based on how much you need. 

You can also save money with Location-Based Charging, which lets you program the car to charge at home during off-peak electricity hours. Inside, the Bolt offers impressive connectivity, with a 10.2-inch color touch-screen, Apple and Android compatibility and an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Jaguar i-Pace

Named both 2019 World Car of the Year and 2019 Green Car of the Year, the Jaguar i-Pace delivers a respectable 234-mile range coupled with muscular performance. Its powertrain provides nearly 400 HP and 512 foot-pounds of torque, and the i-Pace goes from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. 

Its muscular 90 kWh battery is designed to maintain extended periods of sustained maximum power, while its position in the wheelbase gives it a low center of gravity for improved handling and aerodynamics. With a base price just shy of $70,000, the i-Pace offers affordable luxury in a sleek, sporty package.

Tesla Model 3

As the OG of electric cars, it’s not surprising that Tesla vehicles far surpass their competitors in terms of range. With its long-range package, the Tesla Model 3 sedan boasts a 322-mile range and an acceleration from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds, with a price starting at around $49,000.

Tesla Model S

If you’re willing to shell out a little more money, Tesla’s flagship Model S sedan delivers a 373-mile range and reaches 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. Like all Tesla vehicles, the Model S comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, premium interior trim and sound at a base price of around $75,000. 

If you’ve got some wiggle room in your budget, you can upgrade from long-range to performance trim for an additional $20,000; your Model S will go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds, maintaining a 348-mile range and include “Ludicrous Mode,” enhanced interior styling and a carbon-fiber spoiler.

Best Hybrid SUVs for 2020: An Extensive Guide

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As electric and hybrid vehicles become more affordable—and more commonplace—automotive manufacturers continue to expand their offerings to meet consumer demand. Given the unrelenting popularity of sport utility vehicles in the United States, it was only a matter of time before hybrid SUVs began to flood the market. 

As such, 2020 is shaping up to be a watershed year for this growing segment of the automotive market. From high-end luxury SUVs to compact crossovers, our list of the best hybrid SUVs for 2020 includes a vehicle to fit every budget and taste.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Lauded by the manufacturer as the “world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV,” the Mitsubishi Outlander not only gets an impressive 74 MPGe, but it also sports an affordable price tag. Base models start at around $36,000. The Outlander delivers impressive 4×4 off-road capabilities on either electric or gas power. It has a range of 22 miles in EV mode and just over 300 miles in hybrid mode. 

Charging is relatively quick, thanks to its DC Fast Charging feature. This speedy feature achieves an 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes. You can fully charge it overnight with a standard 120V household plug. Conversely, you can use a 240V charger to reach full power in about 3.5 hours.

Inside, the Outlander seats five adults and offers a wealth of creature comforts. This includes touchscreen and voice-activated connectivity, the rich tones of the Mitsubishi Power Sound System and a smartphone app that lets you monitor your charging schedule, interior climate settings and more, from anywhere. The customizable cargo space can be configured to provide up to 66 cubic feet of storage. Finally, the GT trim package allows passengers access to 1500 watts of plug-in power from the main drive battery.

2020 Volvo XC60 Momentum T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid

This sleek hybrid SUV from Volvo starts at around $55,000. Twin engines allow the driver to use gas and electric power individually or combined for the most efficient driving experience. Its robust battery delivers a range of 18 to 22 miles. This battery can be charged at home or at a charging station. Like most hybrids, it also charges whenever the driver brakes or slows down.

Over the decades, Volvo has established a solid reputation as an industry leader in safety and quality. As such, this eco-friendly model is no exception. Its long list of safety features includes power child locks, front and rear collision mitigation support, lane-keeping assistance, park assist side and rear cameras and Volvo’s proprietary WHIPS Whiplash Protection System.

Volvo’s drive mode control allows drivers to fine-tune powertrain and steering settings based on conditions and personal preferences. There are four modes available: Eco, dynamic, off-road, and individual.

  • Eco mode adjusts the powertrain and climate systems to maximize fuel efficiency. 
  • Dynamic mode delivers highly responsive, sporty driving. 
  • Off-road mode maintains stability in challenging conditions, while comfort mode delivers the smoothest ride possible. 
  • In individual mode, drivers can customize all settings to create their ideal personal driving experience.

The XC60 Momentum Hybrid’s interior is all practical luxury. It comes with standard features like two-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with memory, and power lumbar support. There are also heated front seats, manual folding second row rear seat, 12V power outlet and two USB connections.

2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

With room for up to seven adults, the 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is a roomy luxury SUV that strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency. Modeled after the NSX supercar, the MDX gets its muscle from the innovative three-motor hybrid powertrain. The powertrain delivers around 321 total system horsepower and averages 27 mpg.

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Starting at around $53,000, the MDX Sport Hybrid is designed for maximum comfort. It achieves this with a three-zone automatic climate control system that allows each row of seating to set its own temperature and fan settings. Both front seats offer three heating levels. Also, buyers can even add ventilation settings that cool seats by drawing air into micro-perforations in the leather. Safety features include road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, surround-view cameras and a rear cross traffic monitor.

2020 Audi Q5 PHEV

The Audi Q5 is the company’s original hybrid plug-in model, and it has continued to evolve into one of the best PHEV offerings in the luxury SUV category. If you can manage the $60,000 price tag, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck: 

  • A 26-mile electric range
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • A turbocharged powertrain and electric motor that push the Q5 PHEV to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds

Even with all that power under the hood, the Q5 delivers an incredibly smooth driving experience. The onboard navigation system incorporates information about the upcoming route’s conditions, topography and other factors when determining whether to use gas power, electric power or a combination of the two for the most efficient operation. 

The vehicle also offers the luxurious details buyers expect from Audi. This includes three-zone climate control, heat-insulated glass, smartphone interface and integrated Homelink technology. It is no surprise that the Q5 is on our list of the best hybrid SUVs for 2020.

2020 Lexus RX 450h

Starting at just under $47,000, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h offers affordable luxury paired with eco-friendly efficiency. Powered by a sturdy 3.5-liter V6 engine and robust self-charging electric motor, this new entry into the hybrid SUV market boasts 308 net system horsepower. It also goes from zero to 60 mph in less than eight seconds—all while delivering a combined 30 mpg.

The RX 450h hits all the right notes when it comes to performance. This is thanks to innovative features designed to enhance both stability and safety. An optimized suspension and innovative dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence system provide precise handling while reducing emissions. Active Torque Control all-wheel drive adjusts to real-time road conditions by automatically shifting engine power between the front and rear axles. The intuitive Active Cornering Assist feature applies the brakes on the inside wheel to prevent oversteering and keep the vehicle in its lane.

The RX 450h doesn’t just get the major features right; it also delivers the little details that make driving a Lexus such a pleasure. The power rear door that opens with a quick kick under the rear bumper. Responsive ambient lighting. Height-adjustable, self-gripping cupholders. Heated and ventilated front seats. This is just scratching the surface.

2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid

With a base price around $30,000, the RAV4 XLE Hybrid offers Toyota’s legendary quality alongside truly impressive fuel efficiency: 41 mpg on the highway and 38 mpg in the city. But its greatest value shines through in the multitude of standard advanced safety features that typically cost extra in other hybrid SUV models, including electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, active cornering assist, hill start assist control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and a camera-based digital rearview mirror that expands the driver’s field of vision.

For even more value-add, the RAV4 XLE Hybrid includes many of the same convenience- and comfort-based features as Toyota’s Lexus luxury brand, such as the innovative hands-free power liftgate that opens with a kick, heated and ventilated front seats and even heated rear seats.

As icing on the cake, in all of its 2020 hybrid models, Toyota has upped its commitment to electric battery life with an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

2020 Ford Explorer Limited

If you need a rugged SUV with plenty of towing power and off-road capability, the Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is your answer. This eco-friendly workhorse achieves a range of around 450 miles per tank and 25 combined mpg alongside intelligent 4-wheel drive and 5,000 pounds of towing power. 

A trailer sway control feature comes standard, and you can also opt to add hill descent control and the versatile Terrain Management System. This system offers seven drive modes accessible via an easy-to-control dial in the center console. Select from normal, trail, deep snow/sand, slippery, sport, tow/haul and eco mode. These modes work to ensure maximum stability, safety and performance in any conditions.

The Explorer Limited Hybrid is also a proven people-hauler, with plenty of room for seven adults to sit comfortably in two second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third row. If you’ve got more stuff than people, the second- and third-row seats can be quickly reconfigured. The reconfiguration provides access for up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The hybrid Explorer also includes plenty of nice extras, such as: 

  • Tri-zone electronic temperature control
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Integrated key fob
  • Dual second-row smart charging USB ports
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

Starting at just under $50,000, it may just be the perfect hybrid vehicle for both work and play. It is no surprise that the Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid makes our list of the best hybrid SUVs.

2020 Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid

Starting at just over $28,000, the completely redesigned 2020 Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine with an 88-kilowatt electric motor for a net system output of 200 horsepower. For a smaller SUV, the hybrid Escape delivers substantial power. It has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and still manages a respectable fuel efficiency around 35 mpg. The five-seat vehicle also offers substantial maximum cargo space of more than 60 cubic feet.

Smooth handling is a mainstay of the Escape. It does this with nimble cornering, responsive regenerative brakes and a suspension that largely cushions passengers from irregular road conditions. In situations that call for quick accelerations, shift from Normal to Sport mode for added zippiness. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist and post-collision braking.

Inside the cabin, driver and passengers can enjoy the high-tech Sync 3 system. It packages an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple, Android, Alexa and Waze integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of powering up to 10 devices simultaneously.

2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is distinctive in its class thanks to its responsive 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which replaces the continuous variable transmission commonly found in hybrid vehicles. Its parallel hybrid powertrain combines a powerful Atkinson cycle engine, highly efficient electric motor and lithium-ion polymer battery, resulting in an eye-popping combined fuel efficiency of 105 MPGe. Standard Sport Mode provides smooth steering and enhanced acceleration for outstanding overall performance.

Safety is a key driver of the Niro Hybrid’s appeal, with cutting-edge features like blind-spot collision warning, which delivers an alert when your turn signal is on and a vehicle is detected in your blind spot; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, which activates a similar alert when it identifies a potential hazard in the vehicle’s path; and park-distance warning, which sounds an audible warning when the onboard sonar senses the vehicle getting too close to other cars or objects.

Comfort and convenience figure heavily into the interior design, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for flexibility in the cargo space and available heated and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel. The Kia Access mobile app syncs seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home and includes the essential “Find My Car” feature, so you’ll never find yourself endlessly wandering a parking lot trying to remember where you parked.

Best of all, the Niro offers the incredible value that has spurred Kia’s growing popularity in the U.S. Starting at $28,500, this versatile hybrid is backed by the company’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000 mile warranty.

All-new 2018 Jeep® Wrangler Sahara

2020 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid

Fiat Chrysler Automotive has been teasing Jeep fans with the promise of a hybrid Wrangler for several years now, and it appears 2020 will be the year it finally materializes (although a date more specific than “late 2020” hasn’t yet been announced). 

This popular off-roading vehicle is set to receive a green makeover, with a muscular 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine bolstered by a Power Electronic Module (PEM) that’s expected to increase its horsepower as well as enhance its fuel economy. The PHEV Wrangler will retain the brand’s ability to navigate rugged terrain with ease, including up to 30 inches of water.

Final Thoughts

With the climate crisis looming and technology constantly evolving, hybrid vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular and affordable choice for new car buyers. With 10 or more models offering a range of sizes, price points and features, 2020 looks to be the best year yet for hybrid SUV buyers.

Electric Cars Pros and Cons – Should You Pull The Plug?

All-electric cars have taken mainstream auto buying by storm over the past few years. With the advent of mass-production brought on by the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, and then with a torch pass on to juggernaut Tesla, the electric vehicle world is on the rise. In fact, per Cleantechnica, since 2013, Tesla sales alone have gone from over 20,000 per year to over 20,000 per month. These vehicle types are becoming both smarter and stronger in terms of both fuel economy and technology.

Across the full spectrum of electric car sales, each year seems to bring about a new record, and with good reason. Electric vehicles offer extensive benefits. However, these benefits also come at some obvious and not-so-obvious potential drawbacks that need to be uncovered and unpacked to be fully understood. 

These drawbacks come in comparison to conventional, gas-powered alternatives. One of the most important questions that prospective EV purchasers face is whether they should buy an AEV (all-electric vehicle, think Tesla Model 3), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, think Toyota Prius), or a standard conventional gas-powered car.

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Electric Cars Pros and Cons

As with any gas-alternative mode of transportation, there are going to be both extensive benefits and potential shortcomings. As such, we at Hybrid Center have curated the following list of electric cars pros and cons, to assist you in determining if you should power on or pull the plug.

For more information and a deep dive into EVs, check out our article Electric Cars – Your Most Common Questions Answered.

Advantages of Electric Cars

Electric cars are far more environmentally friendly

It’s true and scientifically proven. Driving electric vehicles means that you are going to be behind the wheel of something that produces zero (or next to zero) carbon emissions. With the significant impact the human race has had on global warming, and with this impact growing every day, driving and owning an electric vehicle means you are ensuring the environmental impact and carbon footprint your commute has shrunk.

Being environmentally friendly by owning an electric vehicle means that you are creating a far less polluted world for future generations. Additionally, there is more than just environmental pollution. EVs are notorious for running almost entirely silently. This means that you are doing your part to decrease noise pollution as well. As far as environmental impact goes, EV ownership is nothing but gold stars.

The lack of an engine means far less “wear and tear”

This is often glossed over in the electric versus conventional debate. The truth of the matter is that electric vehicles move through the use of batteries. As such, they don’t require a mechanical engine, or any moving parts for that matter, to get you from Point A to Point B.

Additionally, the enormous mechanical mess that comes with internal combustion engines is a thing of the past in EVs. This works to eliminate wear and tear, as well as the associated costs with replacing small parts such as oil filters, bands and belts, valves, spark plugs, alternators, and more. These parts and related components of a combustion engine add up to extensive costs and headaches over time. For EV owners, the only point of concern will be the maintenance of the battery.

Perfect for driving in urban areas

For those who live in cities or suburbs, consistent braking and stopping are quite standard. Gasoline-powered vehicles perform more effectively than hybrids and electric cars at highway speeds. However, EVs excel impressively when driving in the city.

If you live in a city, having an all-electric car makes perfect sense, if your budget permits for the initial purchase. Many malls, offices, shopping centers, parking garages, and more now offer up-front parking spots for electric vehicles, as well as free charging opportunities. In fact, in some areas, electric cars are permitted to utilize carpool and HOV lanes on the highway, no questions asked.

Extensive fuel cost savings

Like it or not, it costs significantly less to run a vehicle on electricity than it does to run on conventional fuel. Running an all-electric vehicle has a far lower cost per mile compared to fuel-powered cars. 

Additionally, you can quickly and easily charge your vehicle from the comfort of your home, without the need to visit parking areas, specific charging stations, or Superchargers (in the case of Tesla cars). As mentioned above, many workplaces and shopping centers also provide charging with zero cost to the owner.

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Dynamics when driving

One of the benefits of electric vehicles that seems to fly under the radar is the go-kart-like driving quality and dynamics. Let us explain. With the instantaneous torque provided by EVs, they start quickly, accelerate quickly, and are just fun to drive.

Please note that driving with the “gas” pedal pushed down consistently is going to harm your battery range. However, the acceleration offered is ideal for not only the enjoyment aspect of a fast car that may not seem fast but also as a safety feature for evasive maneuvers as needed.

In addition to this, most electric vehicles have their batteries stored low on the car, at times connected directly to the chassis. This provides a shallow center of gravity, as well as a stiff frame to assist with tight handling. 

Finally, many electric vehicles offer the added benefit of one-pedal driving. This driving style utilizes the regenerative braking feature found in most EVs to assist in slowing the car, while simultaneously recharging the vehicle batteries. With this driving style, there is often no need even to use the brake pedal.

Expansive storage space available

As there is no engine, and no need for a transmission, as well as the low, flat, and out of the way placement of the battery, EVs have ample storage space. This comes in the shape of expansive trunk space, front trunks, and sometimes even storage areas and organizers inside the vehicle that would typically be inconceivable with conventional fuel-driven vehicles.

Potential Disadvantages of Electric Cars

Issues with inconsistent range miles

This is a dealbreaker for some. All-electric vehicles are reported with estimated total driving ranges. These are set by collaboration with the government and manufacturer. However, these numbers are known to be extremely difficult to get to in the real world and under usual driving conditions.

Professional drivers on closed courses obtain official range values, exercising impressive levels of patience, and experiencing perfect conditions. These numbers do not reflect things that drivers encounter on the road in real-world scenarios.

One example of this is inconsistencies in climate and weather. Another is pedal-to-the-metal driving (obviously). Weather plays a significant role in the range in which an electric vehicle can drive before the battery empties. In colder weather, ranges for EVs can drop up to 40% from estimated numbers provided by the manufacturer. For this reason, it is not recommended to drive an EV long distances in icy conditions.

Limited charging station availability

What some have noted are the most common reasons why people choose conventional vehicles over electric vehicles in 2019 and beyond is ease of charging in less populated, rural areas. More extended travel plans and road trips pose challenges in planning, and can sometimes require going out of the way from optimal routes to ensure charging station availability.

These issues also plague those in urban settings who live in apartments or condo complexes. Often, they don’t have enough electric vehicle charging stations for those owning EVs to charge simultaneously. Other times, parking spots are assigned, or parking garages are older, leading to a complete lack of availability.

The lack of accessibility for charging stations, combined with range anxiety, as mentioned above, can cause compounded stress on electric vehicle owners.

Far more expensive initial ownership

This is a given. Electric vehicles still demand pricing premiums over comparable gasoline alternatives. While there are extensive government tax credits and rebates that are available to EV owners and consumers, the initial asking price is typically well above average. As such, it may be out of scope for potential buyers who want to ensure there is some value in the vehicle they are purchasing.

In addition to this, some electric vehicles will experience rapid depreciation. This includes options from manufacturers who are not common in the electric vehicle segment (the BMW i8 is one great example). However, others, such as current-model Teslas, hold their value exceptionally well and are known to appreciate during slowdowns in Tesla manufacturing and delivery.

Wrapping Up Electric Cars Pros and Cons

Overall, there are plenty of benefits and drawbacks to owning an electric vehicle over a conventional alternative. Electric vehicles offer ample benefits, including the lower overall cost of ownership, tax credits, less wear and tear, and more storage. However, these benefits also come at some obvious and not-so-obvious potential drawbacks, including range issues, more expensive initial cost, and limitations in charging opportunities.

The choice of whether to purchase an EV is entirely up to the potential buyer. However, ensuring that you receive an all-encompassing view of the pros and cons of electric vehicles will go a long way in your due diligence before deciding if you should power on, or if it’s better to pull the plug.

Top 10 Hybrid Cars of 2019 – Photos, Reviews and More

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Electrification is at the forefront of the automotive industry today, as car manufacturers face ever-mounting pressure to make cleaner cars. However, full electric cars are not for everyone. The high-performing ones can be expensive and as you are relying only on electric power, you will need to charge the car quite frequently.

So, for those who aren’t yet ready to make the switch to full-electric cars, hybrid vehicles can also be a great option. Hybrid electric vehicles have been in the market for decades now. They became popular after the introduction of car models like the Toyota Prius in the late 90s.

What are Hybrid Electric Vehicles?

Commonly known as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), hybrid vehicles combine the technology of both electric vehicles and normal gasoline powered cars. They can function on both gasoline and electric power. These vehicles have both an internal combustion engine (ICE) like a regular car and an electric motor like full electric cars.  They also have battery packs like full-electrics to give current to operate the electric motor. Because they rely on two fuel sources, the battery packs don’t have to be as big as the ones on full-electrics.

Like full electric cars, they also employ regenerative braking. Regenerative braking systems attempt to recover the kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat when a car is braking. Here, the electric motor will turn in the reverse direction which will cause it to act like a generator and convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy. This can be stored in the batteries for future use.

Plug-In Hybrids vs Conventional Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids are a variation of conventional hybrids, where the batteries can be recharged using an external power source. In conventional hybrids, the batteries can’t be recharged. The only way they can be charged is through regenerative braking.

These hybrid vehicles make the best of both worlds. At low speeds, internal combustion engines produce low torque while induction motors are more efficient at these speeds. At high speeds, internal combustion engines are more effective. Hence, they can alternate between the two to get the full benefit of both technologies.

With plug-in hybrids, you can charge them either at home using a standard electrical outlet or at EV service stations using an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Charging at home will take ages, though, and EVSEs are quicker than that. They are available to purchase for car owners for home use as well. Even with an EVSE though, the charging times are really long. On average, you get around 10-25 miles of range per hour of charging.

Unlike conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids can rely more on electric power since the batteries can be charged externally. This means that they produce lower emissions and have better fuel economy than conventional hybrids.

Comparing Hybrid Vehicles

Before we get into the top 10 list of hybrids for this year, it is useful to know important factors that are used to compare electric vehicles.

Maximum Range

For a hybrid vehicle, this is simply the maximum distance that the car can travel on a full tank, in a single journey. For a plug-in hybrid, this is the maximum distance that can be travelled on a single full charge.

Cost

Of course, this is one of the most important factors when choosing between any two cars. In the case of hybrid vehicles, you will need to take into account the cost of fuel and electricity (for plug-in hybrids).  A hybrid that is more reliant on electricity may have a higher upfront cost, but in the long run it could produce fuel savings because electricity is usually cheaper than gasoline.

Charging Times

For a plug-in hybrid, this a very important factor to consider. Charging times can determine how far you can travel before needing to be recharged. Since charging an electric car is time consuming and not convenient, it’s important to factor in charging times before buying. See how much range an hour of charging adds using an EVSE. Typically, it is the range of 10-25 miles per hour of charge.

These are all general factors. Ultimately, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what the best cars are because that would depend on the individual needs of the driver. But, the factors above are a good place to start.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is simply how effective the car is at using fuel without waste and is measured by the maximum distance it can cover in miles per gallon of fuel. It is measured in miles per gallon in regular cars. Since electricity isn’t measured in gallons, hybrid fuel economy is denoted in miles per gallon equivalent. This is the electrical equivalent of one gallon of fuel.

Fuel economy is important for two reasons. Firstly, a high fuel economy means you save on fuel costs. Secondly, if a car has a low fuel economy, it could be wasting fuel which means there will be more CO2 emissions.

Top 10 Hybrid Vehicles of 2019

1. Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Ioniq (Image Source)

Hyundai’s Ioniq series have long been heralded as one of the best performing hybrid vehicles since it first came out in 2016.

When it came out, it beat out its predecessor in the hybrid market, Toyota’s Prius in fuel economy. To reach such a high fuel economy, the car makes use of optimal aerodynamic design that minimizes drag. It also uses materials with high strength-to-weight ratio to reduce weight. The car has a regular gas fuel economy of 52 mpg and a total one of 119 mpg (includes both the gas and electric). It has an estimated range of 25 miles on electric power alone.

Priced at a little under $25,000 in 2018, the Ioniq Hybrid also delivers the best value for money, considering that its similarly-priced rivals have poorer fuel economies.

It also has extra smart features such as pedestrian detection, blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking.

2. 2019 Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius (Image Source)

The Toyota Prius was the pioneer of hybrid vehicles ever since it first came out in 1997. It created the market for hybrid cars in the US. It reigned as the hybrid with the best performance and mileage until Hyundai’s Ioniq Hybrid took away that crown.

This four doored, five seater hatchback has a regular gas mpg rating of 52. Also, unlike the other members of its family, the 2019 Toyota Prius uses Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. And tweaks have been made to its 1.8l engine to improve its efficiency and performance.

Another feature the 2019 Toyota Prius is lauded for, is its spacious design. It has 27 cubic-feet of trunk space. Much like its competitor, Hyundai’s Ioniq, it has a sleek streamlined designed to minimize drag and improve fuel economy.

At a starting price of just over $23,000, the car is quite value for money and narrowly beats out the Ioniq in the cost department.

3. 2019 Mercedes Benz – C350 e Plug-In Hybrid Sedan

Mercedes Benz - C350 e
Mercedes Benz – C350e (Image Source)

So, this is not the car for anyone looking to buy a plug-in hybrid on a budget. It is considered to be a luxury car with excellent performance. The car started out with a price of $47,900 in 2018, so it’s much more expensive than the Toyota Prius or Hyundai’s Ioniq.

It has an estimated fuel economy of 51MPGe which is only slightly lower than the Prius and Ioniq. Its sleek, optimum aerodynamic design means that it achieves a drag coefficient of only 0.28. Its high -performance engine and 60kWh electric motor can deliver a power of around 275 combined hp. It could also go from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds.

4. 2019 Honda Clarity

Honda Clarity
Honda Clarity (Image Source)

Honda has been a pioneer along with Toyota in the alternative-fuel automotive world. It is a four-seater Sedan plug-in hybrid that has an impressive electric-only range of 47 miles. As it’s a plug-in hybrid, it can rely more on electricity to drive the vehicle. The Honda Clarity uses the electric motor to drive the vehicle and the combustion engine to charge its lithium-ion battery pack.

With its impressive electric-only range, it is good for those who are eco-conscious but still want an affordable option.

It has a combined electric and gas fuel economy of 110 MPGe and a regular gas rating of 42 MPG, which is quite impressive and close to the Ioniq range.

It is quite pricey, however, compared to the Ioniq and Prius, as it started out with a price of $33,400 in 2018. But for a car of its credentials, this price is not unreasonable.

5. 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Optima
Kia Optima (Image Source)

Though not as cheap as the Prius or the Ioniq, Kia’s 2019 Optima still has some good credentials to boast about. It has a fuel economy of 103 MPGe (combined gas and electric) and a regular gas rating of 40 MPG.

The car has been praised for its spacious and ergonomic seats and a great infotainment system. KIA’s Sedans are known for their airy, spacious designs and the 2019 Optima does not disappoint. Hence, it is a perfect plug-in hybrid for families.

The 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is evidence that Kia is able to produce a good, robust plug-in hybrid that could compete with the likes of the Prius in terms of fuel economy.

However, the vehicle started out with a price of around $35,000 which is more expensive than the Ioniq or Prius. But, it is still an affordable vehicle, especially for a family.

6. 2019 Ford Fusion Energi

Ford Fusion Energi
Ford Fusion Energi (Image Source)

The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi SE is a testament to Ford’s commitment to improving plug-in hybrids. The car has an impressive combined gas and electric fuel economy of 103 MPGe and regular gas rating of 42 MPG.

It has an all-electric range of up to 25 miles, which isn’t bad. And uses a 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery along with a powerful electric motor. It also has a 4 cylinder, 2.0L gasoline engine.  The battery can be charged overnight with the provided 120-V cable.

In 2018, the Ford Fusion Energi SE started off with a price of $31,400 which is a reasonable price.

7. 2019 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt (Image Source)

The Chevy Volt is one of the most famous plug-in hybrid models that have been in the market for some time and continues to boast some great performance credentials. The new 2019 version has an impressive range of 53 miles on electric power alone. It has a maximum range of 420 miles on a single, full charge and a full gas tank.

It also has a combined electric and gas fuel economy of 103 MPGe and a regular gas rating of 42 MPG. The battery of this Chevy Volt can be charged in 4.5 hours using a 240V EVSE or 13 hours using a standard 120V outlet.

It has a moderate price of just over $34,000 (2018 prices), but is still reasonable considering its plug-in credentials.

8. BMW 330 e iPerformance Sedan 2019

BMW 330 e iPerformance
BMW 330e (Image Source)

This plug-in hybrid sedan is another high-end, high-performing luxury. Again, at a 2018 price tag of around $45,000, it is not for those looking a hybrid on a budget. It is for those looking for excellent performance credentials.

It offers an ultra-smooth ride and is highly fuel efficient, at a fuel economy rating of an impressive 71MPGe. Its 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged super quick, in just over 2 hours.

9. Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 2019

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Audi e-tron (Image Source)

This plug-in hybrid Sportback not only offers great fuel efficiency and low emissions, but also a sleek spacious design.

It has a powerful 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a fuel economy rating from the EPA of 83 MPGe.

The starting price was $39,500 in 2018, so it is moderately priced but not as frugal as the Prius or Ioniq.

10. Toyota Prius V AWD

Toyota Prius V AWD
Toyota Prius V (Image Source)

This is the hybrid all-wheel-drive version of the Prius family. It comes with a powerful 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine and a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack that has been especially designed for cold weather. Unlike its other Prius counterparts that mainly use lithium-ion batteries.

It offers a combined MPG of 50 and a starting price of just under $30,000. So, it is not exactly the most economical but great for colder weather conditions.

Images are for referential purposes only and are subject to availability and licensing restrictions. They may not correspond to the exact make and model of the car or the year of manufacturer. Please perform your own research before proceeding to purchase.

Guide To Picking The Best Hybrid Car – How to Derive Maximum Fuel Economy?

Fuel Economy is an important measure of a car’s performance. It shows how effectively a car utilizes the fuel you give. It is also a reflection of the quality of the internal components and mechanisms of a car. A good fuel economy means a car’s vital components like the engine are of a good quality and doesn’t waste fuel.

It’s a great way to compare cars with each other and is frequently used on comparison and review websites to gauge the performance of new car models on the market. You want a car with a good fuel economy because this would mean that less fuel is wasted as forms like heat or friction.

There are many reasons why buying a car with good fuel economy is important:

Quality and Performance

As mentioned before, fuel economy is a reflection of the quality of the car’s key components like the engine. If the engine is of poor quality or in a bad condition, the car would have a poor fuel economy.

Reflects on Environmental Impact

A poor fuel economy means that to meet a certain performance criteria such as speed or distance, the car will use more fuel. More fuel means more emissions of greenhouse gases. As our world faces ever-mounting pressure to tackle climate change and vehicle pollution is a major contributor, improving fuel economy is a top priority for consumers and car manufacturers alike.

Cost of Fuel

A poor fuel economy means that more fuel is wasted to do a certain task. This is not only bad on the emissions front, but it’s terrible for your budget. Especially considering that gasoline prices are usually expensive and highly volatile, a car with a bad fuel economy is the last thing you need. Hybrid cars provide an instant way to save money on gas spend, especially those with daily long commutes.

What Exactly Is Fuel Economy?

In simple terms, fuel economy is a measure of the maximum distance (in miles or km) that can be travelled by a car per gallon of fuel. Don’t confuse this with range, which is the maximum distance that one can travel on a full gas tank.

Sometimes however, the formula is also reversible to measure the volume of fuel it takes to complete a certain distance. Either way, it gives a measure of how effectively a car uses its fuel.

Distance Travelled per Fixed Unit Volume of Fuel

In the US, the measure for fuel economy the distance per unit fuel, in this case miles per gallon (MPG).

Other countries in Africa and Asia also use distance per unit fuel but measures it in kilometres per litre (km/L). In Arab countries, the fuel economy measurement is in kilometres per 20 litres of fuel, km/20L.

Fuel Volume Consumed per Unit Distance

In European countries, China, Australia and New Zealand, fuel economy usually measures in the volume of fuel per fixed unit distance. So, this would be in litres per km or L/km.

The UK, Ireland and Canada follow both conventions and you will find cars measured in MPG as well as L/km.

How to Find Fuel Economy

You can find out the fuel economy of a car as they are usually officially listed by the car manufacturers. In the US, there is a database called fueleconomy.gov where you can find out the fuel economy for a certain car model and year as rated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Alternatively, if you car isn’t new, you can do a test of your own and see how much fuel is consumed for a known distance. This could be a useful guide to see any potential problems with the engine or the car.

Interpreting Fuel Economy Figures

In official fuel economy listings and databases for regular gasoline and hybrid vehicles, you will often see three types of MPG ratings:

  • City: This is the fuel economy that’s measured under driving conditions you will often encounter in a city, such as traffic. So, this would be short distances with periodic stopping and deceleration.
  • Highway: This is the fuel economy measured on a highway or long road with little traffic. The acceleration is continuous and not sporadic like in the city.
  • Combined: This is the average of the city and highway figures.

Of course, none of these figures take into consideration, a driver’s individual driving style or specific driving conditions in the area you live in.

Fuel Economy for Hybrid Vehicles

To understand how fuel economy works in hybrid vehicles, we need to know briefly how they work. There are two types of hybrid vehicles: Conventional hybrids and Plug-In hybrids.

Regardless of the type, all hybrids use a combination of electric power and gasoline to propel the car. So, they have an electric motor as well as an internal combustion engine, along with a gas tank and a battery pack to store the energy. They all employ regenerative braking. A technology that allows the car to capture the kinetic energy. Energy which is lost in traditional vehicles as heat.

Conventional Hybrids Vs Plug-In Hybrids

Conventional hybrid batteries are not rechargeable by an external power source, they only receive charge during regenerative braking. You can charge Plug-In hybrid batteries with an external electric power source such as a standard electric outlet or an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

Hence, conventional hybrids only measure the fuel economy of the gasoline. The plug-in hybrids have to combine the fuel economy of both the electricity and the gasoline.

Electricity can’t be measured in gallons, so for plug-in hybrids, fuel economy is measured in something called ‘miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe. Here, they measure the amount of electricity that has the same energy as a gallon of gasoline. For calculations, it is assumed by the EPA that 33.7 kWh of electricity is equal to one gallon of gasoline.

For simplicity, it is assumed that the car operates only on the battery and that the engine is engaged only when the battery is depleted. It doesn’t consider the car operating on a mix of electric power and gasoline at the same time. The formula for MPGe is:

MPEg= (s1+s2)/ (s1*EE/3370 +s2/MPG)

MPGe= Miles per Gallon equivalent

S1= total range on battery only

S2= total range on gasoline only

EE= Energy Efficiency of battery in kWh/100 miles

MPG= Fuel Economy of Plug-In operating on gasoline only

MPGe of popular hybrid car models

Chevrolet Volt 2019: 106 MPGe, 42 MPG (combined city/highway when operating on regular gas)

Toyota Prius Prime 2019 : 133 MPGe, 54 MPG

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 2019 : 119 MPGe, 52 MPG

Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 2019 : 110 MPGe, 42 MPG

Conventional Hybrids-

Hyundai Ioniq 2019: 55 MPG (combined city highway)

Toyota Prius 2019 : 52 MPG (combined)

Toyota Prius AWD 2019 : 50 MPG (combined)2019 Toyota Prius C: 46 MPG (combined)

Electric Cars – Your Most Common Questions Answered

Electric cars are all the buzz these days. There is so much innovation going on in this industry that it is tough to keep up. Especially if you’re new to the idea of electric cars. So, here are some of the most common questions people ask answered.

What Exactly Are Electric Cars?

This seems like a simple question with an obvious answer. But, it can still get confusing because there are so many variations of electric vehicles. The term ‘Electric Cars’ or ‘Electric Vehicles’ are umbrella terms with a broad definition in today’s media. But, they generally refer to any vehicle that uses electric power to propel the vehicle. This includes both fully electric cars and semi-electric cars such as hybrids.

All electric vehicles (EVs) have an electric motor that gets its power from an electric current. This current comes from a source such as a battery. In fully electric cars, only electricity drives the vehicle, so it needs quite a powerful source for the electric current. As these cars are fully electric, they don’t emit any greenhouse gases into the air while driving.

In semi-electric cars such as hybrids, however, electricity works alongside regular gasoline. They alternate between the two sources, depending on which one is more efficient for certain driving conditions.

What are the types of Electric Cars?

Fully electric cars include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) such as the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. As well as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) such as the Toyota Mirai. In full-electric cars, there are no internal combustion engine. Nor any parts that relate with them such as fuel tanks, pipes or pumps.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) use battery packs (a collection of many individual battery cells) to draw the electric current to power the electric motor. As this is the only source of the current, the batteries have to very powerful. As a result, these battery packs could be quite heavy or expensive. The batteries are rechargeable and need charging once they drain.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use fuel cells to generate the electric current for the motor. The fuel cell uses the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen in the air to produce an electric current. Similar to regular gasoline vehicles, they refuel with hydrogen fuel. Although FCEVs are generally clean and don’t give out emissions. They do produce water vapor as a by-product of the chemical reaction.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) uses both electric power and gasoline to propel the vehicles, hence these are semi-electric cars. This means HEVs have both a battery pack and an internal combustion engine. It’s not full reliant on electricity, so the battery pack doesn’t need to be that big. The battery charges through an internal mechanism called regenerative braking. So they can’t or need to be charged by an external power source.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are a variation of hybrids, where the batteries can be charged by an external power source. Hence, they can rely more on electric power and could produce less emissions.

Although ‘Electric Cars’ include all these variations of electric vehicles, in this article electric cars refer to ones that are fully electric.

How do Electric Cars work?

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) work by having a battery pack that draws an electric current to drive the motor. The battery pack composes of thousands of individual battery cells that store the electrical energy needed. The batteries have to be very powerful and have a high power-to-weight ratio as BEVs solely rely on this battery pack to drive the vehicle.

They electric motor used in all electric vehicles, not just BEVs, is an induction motor. Alternating current (current that changes direction periodically) will produce an alternating magnetic field, which will cause the rotor in the motor to turn.

However, the current coming from the battery pack is DC current and a conversion to AC current is necessary to be fed into the motor. This happens through an inverter which converts DC to AC current. Technically, BEVs can use DC motors as well but these tend to be bulkier, which is not ideal for an EV that already has a heavy battery pack. So, AC motors are more preferable to BEV manufacturers.

Regenerative Braking

Another important aspect of all electric vehicles is regenerative braking. When a car brakes, all that kinetic energy from the momentum converts to heat and goes to waste due to friction with the road surface. Regenerative braking attempts to recover this energy and turn it into useful electrical energy.

Regenerative Braking works by causing the induction motor to turn in the reverse direction during the car’s braking. When turning in the reverse direction, the motor acts like a generator and converts the kinetic energy of the car into electrical current. This current goes to the battery pack to store for future use.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) work by producing an electric current during the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell. The fuel cell has three key components: a terminal holding a positive charge (called a cathode), a terminal holding a negative charge (called an anode) and an electrolyte between the anode and cathode. Here’s what happens in the fuel cell in detail:

What are the main benefits of electric cars?

Fuel Economy

Electric cars have great fuel economy, thanks to their energy saving mechanisms such as regenerative braking. This means that there’s less energy waste and hence less fuel waste. This will ultimately translate to greater fuel cost savings. In traditional cars, fuel economy is miles-per-gallon.

Fuel economy is essentially the distance travelled per gallon of fuel in miles. As EVs use electricity that isn’t measured in gallons, there’s a measurement called equivalent miles per gallon or MPGe. They use the electrical equivalent of a gallon of gasoline fuel to measure fuel economy.

Electric vehicles generally have very good fuel economies compared to regular gasoline vehicles. This is because not only do they have energy saving methods like regenerative braking, but electric motors are inherently far more efficient than internal combustion engines (an estimated 80% vs 30%).

BEVs like the Tesla Model S have an MPGe of 98, which is comparatively higher than say a Chevy Cruze Sedan which has an MPG of 52. Other BEVs such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt have even higher fuel economies of 112 MPGe and 119 MPGe respectively.

For FCEVs, MPG is the distance travelled per gallon of hydrogen fuel, so it’s similar to measuring fuel economy in regular gasoline vehicles. FCEVs also have a high fuel economy, such as the Toyota Mirai 2016 model that has an MPG of 66.

Fuel Cost Savings

Although the upfront cost of an EV may be higher, you will end up with greater fuel cost savings annually due to the increased efficiency of EVs and the fact that electricity is a bit cheaper than gasoline. Electricity prices are also more stable than gasoline prices.

The cost of gasoline fluctuates in the range $1.50-$4 per gallon of fuel. In comparison, it costs only $1.20 to travel that same distance using electricity.

As a matter of fact, a 2018 study found that the average annual cost of operating EVs is less than half of the cost of operating a regular gasoline car. In the US, the average annual cost of operating an EV is around $457 while for a gasoline car, it is $1,117. Basically, with electric cars, you can get twice the mileage for the same money.

Lower Emissions

This is probably the most prominent benefit of EVs, especially BEVs. As they operate entirely on electricity, they don’t release toxic greenhouse gases into the air while driving. While you could argue that electricity comes from fossil fuels, they still have a lower carbon footprint compared to regular gasoline vehicles.

It is estimated that for a mid-size BEV, there’s almost a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per mile. This is in comparison than a mid-size gasoline vehicle.

Of course, even the best EVs aren’t 100% clean. There are still emissions involved in the manufacture of the car itself. However, from cradle-to-grave, BEVs still produce the lowest emissions of any car.

FCEVs are also largely emission-free if you only consider CO2, but they do produce water vapor as a by-product.

Less moving parts means less maintenance and repair costs.

With EVs and hybrids, there is more electronic control over the key functions in the car such as the changing of the speed. For an EV, to change the speed of the vehicle, it simply needs to change the current that is feeding into electric motor. In traditional gasoline vehicles, however, the speed changes and some of the key functions are controlled through mechanical parts.

Due to this, there are less moving parts in an EV compared to a gasoline car. The transmission of an EV is a simple, one-stage transmission whereas this is more complicated in a regular car. Moving parts are the biggest source of failures and repairs, so, an EV would need less maintenance and repair work because of this.

EVs also don’t have internal combustion engines and parts associated with them, such as fuel tanks, pumps and pipes. Overall, you can save up on maintenance costs too.

What are the main drawbacks of electric cars?

Despite its eco-friendly performance, there are still some drawbacks of EVs that are preventing them from completely taking over gasoline vehicles.

Range:  The maximum distance that can be travelled on a single charge is still lower than that of a regular car on a full gas tank. The BEVs with the highest range is the Tesla Model X with a range of 237 miles and the Chevy Bolt with a range of 238 miles. This is still quite low compared to the ranges of regular diesel cars.

Charging: As BEVs are totally reliant on electric power, they need to be charged regularly, because the ranges are quite low on a single charge. This is because the battery packs are still quite heavy and so, the ones used are quite light and not as powerful. The charging time is also another huge drawback of BEVs. They can take as long as 2 hours to be charged fully and even longer if charged at home.

Featured Image – Photo by Lance Cpl. Dave Flores

Source – https://www.29palms.marines.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001540823/

Why Should You Go for an Electric Car in 2019?

There is an ever-increasing hype around electric vehicles (EVs), with major car manufacturers competing to innovate in the field. Electric cars have come a long way since they popularized in the late 90s by cars like the Toyota Prius.

With the pressing issue of vehicle emissions and the irreversible damage they do the environment and people’s health. Electrifications is a major area of interest in the automotive industry.

Technically, when we say electric vehicles (EVs), they are typically talking about Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). For instance, the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. But, there are many types of vehicles with differing technologies that fall under the ‘Electric Vehicle’ category. For example, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles are also Electric Vehicles.

The General Advantages of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

It is hard to point out the benefits of owning an electric car without talking about the type. Because the different types of electric cars all have various different benefits and applications.  In general, EVs tend to give out lower CO2 emissions. They have better fuel economy and some of them even have better performance than their gasoline powered counterparts.

All electric vehicles use an electric motor to propel the vehicle. Full electric models rely only on electricity to do this. While other types like hybrids will use the electric motor for some tasks only. Full electric models only have an electric motor to drive the vehicle. A hybrid, on the other hand, uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine like a traditional car.

Better Fuel Economy

The electric motor gets its power via an electric current from a source such as a battery (in BEVs) or a fuel cell (in FCEVs). Electrical energy storage happens either in the battery packs or derived from the electrochemical reaction in a fuel cell.  Considering that electric motors tend to be far more efficient than internal combustion engines (80% in comparison to a mere 30%). EVs have an energy saving advantage right off the bat.

EVs employ even more energy saving mechanisms. Almost all electric vehicles, including hybrids, use regenerative braking. When a car brakes, all that momentum and kinetic energy converts to heat and goes to waste. Regenerative braking aims to limit this by recovering this kinetic energy and converting it into electrical energy that can be stored for future use.

Regenerative Braking

The Regenerative braking systems use the car’s braking to turn the motor in the reverse direction. The induction motor turning in the reverse direction acts like a generator and hence, generates electricity. This is sent to the batteries for storage.

All this means that there is less energy wasted and therefore, less fuel that is wasted. With less fuel being wasted, you could make significant savings in fuel costs per year.  Of course, with full electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids you can save more fuel than hybrids because you have little to no reliance on the gasoline.

Of course, it’s not possible to compare fuel savings with electric cars because they use stored electrical energy and not gallons of fuel. But, you can find out how much savings you can make where you live, by looking at ‘eGallons’. eGallons are calculated based on the electricity prices of a particular state or area and seeing how many units of electricity it takes for the car to achieve the same mileage as a regular car using a gallon of petrol or diesel.

Using eGallons, it is found that the ‘fuel costs’ of an electric car is almost half of a regular gasoline car.

Less Emissions and Pollution

Full electric vehicles such as BEVs don’t have an issue with pollution at all because they do not release waste gases or emissions. The only ‘emissions’ involved are those produced during the manufacture of the car itself.  In regular cars, not only are they inefficient with poor fuel economy, they also release toxic greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into the air.

Hybrids aren’t totally emission-free because they also use internal combustion engines. However, it is still significantly less than that of regular cars. Even if they use a small amount of electricity for certain tasks, that is still lower than regular vehicles that use fuel for all the tasks in a car.

Of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tend to have the lowest emissions released per km. They are able to achieve the zero-emission range which means they emit less than 75 kg/km of CO2.

Other types of EVs such as Extended Range Electric Vehicles (E-REVs) are able to achieve even lower carbon emissions. E-REVs are designed to prioritize using electrical energy as much as possible and only using the gasoline powered internal combustion engine when absolutely needed. They can achieve a carbon emissions target of about 20 kg/km of CO2.

Smoother Operation and Less Maintenance

Most of the car’s function in an EV is controlled electronically, whereas in a regular car most of those functions need mechanical parts. For example, the drivetrain on an EV is far simpler than a regular car because the motor speed can be limited by the electric current, which can be done electronically.

More electronic control means there is usually less room for error and less chance of failures. Moving parts are the main causes of failures and repairs in regular cars.

With less moving parts, it also means that the operation and driving of the vehicle is smoother and quieter.

Limitations of EVs

Electric Cars are brilliant in how they conserve energy and reduce emissions. However, there are still limitations of EVs that are preventing them from completely overtaking regular cars.

One of the biggest limitations is the need for rechargeable batteries. Batteries are quite heavy and need a lot of space. With battery technology, there is a trade off between cost and performance of the battery. For example, while lithium-ion batteries are very effective, they are also the most expensive.

Secondly, a popular complaint about EVs are that they take ages to charge. You can refuel a gas tank at a gas station in the matter of minutes. And that same amount of energy would take hours to be charged into an EV battery.

Fortunately, EV manufacturers are innovating rigorously to solve these problems. EV technology is developing at a very rapid pace.

Why you should buy an electric car in 2019

As electric cars are evolving rapidly. There are continuous range of products that solve the problems that have long plagued EVs. For example, there is major innovation going on regarding quick charging of electric vehicles. Which is one of their biggest drawbacks. Tesla superchargers can now fully charge a car in about 30 minutes. What traditionally took a few hours for a regular EV.

Battery technology is also evolving to save costs, weight and space.  There is also further research in making better drivetrains for electric cars. All these will improve performance and drive down costs in the near future.

There are constantly new EVs introduced into the market, that are quite affordable and have great mileage. One such example is Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric series that is widely regarded as the best EV in the past year.

Exploring the Working Methodologies of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

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As climate change became more of a pressing issue in recent years, electrification of cars was not a surprising trend in the automotive world. They are largely credited for having a smaller carbon footprint and releasing less greenhouse gases to the air. The technology behind electric cars is not new at all. It has, in fact, existed as long as that of gasoline powered cars. But, they became more popular in the late 90s through the introduction of cars like the Toyota Prius. Though it’s not a full-electric car, people now see the benefits of electrification.

Electric Cars in a Nutshell

The term ‘electric cars’ is an umbrella term with a broad definition and covers many variants of electrified vehicles. These include both full electric vehicles and semi-electric vehicles.  These different variants have slightly different technologies, so they work a little differently from each other.

However, there are common technical features that all electric cars have. The most salient, is that they all use an electric motor to drive the car. This is in fact, the broad definition of an electric car. A car that uses an electric motor.

Different Types of Electric Cars

The differences between electric vehicles (EVs) depend on how much of the car is run by an electric motor. An electric motor drives everything in full electric vehicles. Hence, they do not have internal combustion engines (ICEs) or use gasoline for any key function. Electricity drives them completely. Of course, these are the eco-friendliest of all the EVs.

One can differentiate Full-electric cars themselves, by the source of the electric current that drives the motor. In some EVs, these come entirely from stored electrical energy in battery packs on board the car. While iIn others, they can come from the electric current produced from a fuel cell.

In semi-electric cars, or hybrid cars, the electric motor works in conjunction with an internal combustion engine like the regular cars. Hence, they use both electricity and gasoline to drive certain functions of the vehicle, and they have both a battery pack as well as a gas tank.  Hybrids alternate between gasoline and electricity, depending on which is more efficient at the present driving condition. An electronic system determines this alternating between the two types. It also decides which one is more effective, based on current conditions.

So, before delving into the technical details of electric cars and hybrid vehicles, it is best to know the different types of EVs available.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

These are fully electric EVs with zero emissions while driving. A rechargeable battery pack in the car drives the car completely. The stored electric energy in the batteries drives the motor. They are also the most common type of EV that associate with the term ‘Electric Car’. Some popular models include Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

These EVs are also fully electric. But, they use a fuel cell that generates an electric current to drive the motor. The cell uses the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce the current. FCEVs aren’t 100% clean because hydrogen fuel is a derivative of fossil fuels. They also produce water vapor or steam as a by-product of the chemical reaction.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

These EVs incorporate EV technology to regular ICE powered vehicles. Both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine work together to drive the vehicle. They have both a gas tank and batteries, so they can alternate between using electricity and gasoline. Batteries in pure hybrids are not rechargable.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

These are a variant of HEVs where the batteries are rechargeable with an external power source. They can be charged either at home or at an EV service station. These tend to be cleaner than regular HEVs because they can prioritize using electricity than gasoline. Like regular hybrids, however, they use both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

How Electric Cars Work

Here, we will go into all the technical details of how different variants of electric vehicles work.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

These are probably the first types of EVs people think of when they heard the term ‘Electric Car’. As the name suggests, Battery Electric Vehicles are powered by batteries. BEVs contain a series of battery cells which are collectively known as a battery pack.

The battery pack is responsible for providing the electric current needed for the electric motor. The electric motor used is known as an induction motor. When an alternating current (current that periodically changes direction) is applied, it causes alternating magnetic fields to be produced.

As BEVs are entirely powered by batteries, the battery pack is quite heavy and usually located near the bottom of the vehicle.

The Electric Motor

This causes the motor’s poles to rotate and hence, turning the motor. However, the batteries provide DC current while the motor runs on AC current. So, there has to be a component that changes the DC current coming from the batteries into AC current. This is what the inverter does on BEVs. Technically, BEVs could use DC motors as well, so that the current doesn’t need to be converted. However, DC motors tend to be bulkier, which is not great for a vehicle that has to accommodate heavy batteries as well. So, AC motors are preferable.

BEVs are only powered by electricity, so there is no internal combustion engine or gas tank. The batteries and electric motor are the only components driving the vehicle.

The Batteries

There are many types of batteries available for EVs:

  • Lead Acid Batteries: These are the cheapest batteries available and used to be the most commonly found EV batteries. These are similar to car batteries found in regular cars. However, their performance tends to be quite poor. They are not good at operating during cold temperatures and have low specific energy, so they would be too heavy to power a full-electric car.
  • Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries: These batteries have a decent specific energy and power capacities. They have longer life spans than lead acid batteries and are commonly used in hybrid vehicles. However, they are very expensive and discharges too quickly. They also generate a lot of heat.
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: These are the most common types of battery found in electronics such as laptops and smartphones. They are more suitable to full electric cars because they have a higher power-to-weight ratio than other types. They also have a high efficiency, good performance at higher temperatures and high specific energy. These are the most commonly used batteries in PHEVs and BEVs.

Regenerative Braking

Another important feature of electric vehicles is the regenerative braking system. When a car brakes, all the momentum and kinetic energy will get wasted as heat due to friction with the road surface. Regenerative braking tries to recover this energy and convert it into useful electrical energy. EVs do this by having the motor turn in the reverse direction while braking. In the reverse direction, the motor now becomes a generator and the kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy. This is sent to the battery pack to be stored for future use.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

FCEVs use the electric current from a fuel cell to drive the electric motor. FCEVs were once hailed as the future of cars due to their high performance but has since been overshadowed by BEVs.

In the fuel cell, an electric current is generated during the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Water vapour is a waste by-product of this reaction.

What Happens in the Fuel Cell

In the fuel cell, there are three primary components. There is a terminal with negative charge (anode), a terminal with positive charge (cathode) and an electrolyte. The cathode is usually made from a precious metal like platinum to speed up the reaction.

  1. A pipe of several pipes deliver Hydrogen fuel to the cathode from the tank.
  2. The cathode strips the electrons from hydrogen atoms. These become positively charged ions (protons)
  3. As the ions get positive charge, they attract to the negatively charged anode and will flow towards it through the electrolyte.
  4. The electrolyte allows only the positive ions to pass through, so the electrons travel in an external circuit.
  5. This flow of electrons creates a current and drives the motor.
  6. The electrons and protons unite at the anode.
  7. Oxygen from air reaches the anode, where it reacts with the protons to produce water which exits from a tailpipe.

The limiting factor in FCEVs is the amount of hydrogen, since oxygen is freely available. You can refuel FCEVs with hydrogen fuel at stations similar to regular vehicles. However, the cost and inconvenience of hydrogen refuelling has been a barrier for FCEVs. Hydrogen production happens via extraction from fossil fuels, so the technology isn’t completely clean.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

These cars use both electric motors and internal combustion engines. The battery pack isn’t as heavy as in a BEV because they only partially rely on electricity. HEVs make the best of both worlds by using electricity and gasoline at different engine speeds.

At low speeds, ICEs produce a lower torque and are not efficient. Hence, HEVs use the electric motor at these speeds because the induction motor is more efficient in this range (e.g. slow speed drives). At high speeds, ICEs are more efficient, so HEVs use gasoline at high speeds.

In normal HEVs, the battery don’t recharge manually. The batteries only recharge using the energy from regenerative braking. Hence, HEVs can’t rely that much on electric power. They can only use it for small functions.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

These are a variant of HEVs. They also have an ICE as well as an electric motor. The only difference here is that the batteries are chargeable using an external power source. You can also charge them at home using a standard electrical outlet. But, this will take ages to reach full charge.

They are also chargeable using EVSEs, which are special chargers that can charge PHEVs quicker. They operate on a 220/240 V. People can buy these units for their home or get an EV service station to charge their cars. EVSEs still take ages to be charge fully, in contrast to filling up a gas tank though. An hour of charging can only add 10-25 miles of range.

How do Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Function?

Electric Vehicles are the hot topic in the automotive world today and have been for some time as people started realizing their benefits over fossil fuel powered vehicles in tackling climate change. But, when people refer to electric vehicles (EVs), they are mostly talking about Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) such as Teslas. However, most people don’t realize that hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles are also electric vehicles. They are commonly known as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles or FCEVs.

EVs in general, draw an electric current from a source which could either be a battery or a fuel cell, to power an electric motor. The main difference between an EV and a traditional car is that EVs use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. This is the case with both BEVs and FCEVs.

What is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)?

With BEVs, the source of electric current given to the motor is a series of many battery cells and uses the electrical energy stored in these cells. In an FCEV, the electrical current is a production of an electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell between a fuel (most commonly hydrogen) and oxygen in the air. The chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical current and water. In BEVs, there are no waste products.

A similar process is powers rockets, which use the reaction of hydrogen fuel to create an explosive thrust. However, with an FCEV, the energy is more controllable and containable within the fuel cell without producing an explosion.

The chemical reaction is reversible, so, you can break down water in a chemical reaction called electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen. On an industrial scale, however, natural gas is used for hydrogen fuel production. The process of deriving hydrogen from natural gas produces some CO2 emissions itself, so hydrogen fuel cell vehicles aren’t completely clean when it comes to air pollution.

However, their CO2 emissions are still surprisingly lower than traditional vehicles and even that of BEVs.

Why aren’t there more FCEVs in the market?

FCEVs were once regarded as the future of the automotive industry, in providing a clean source of fuel for transport and tackling climate change. This was because FCEVs are more powerful than battery electric vehicles and can cover more mileage. If they can power rockets, then they can’t be that bad!

Another benefit of FCEVs over BEVs is that they can refuel faster. BEVs can take hours to charge, whereas an FCEV can refuel quicker than that.  BEVs take so long to charge because, although electric motors are efficient, the batteries aren’t very energy dense. Energy density is the primary reason petrol and diesel vehicles rule the market today.

When fully fuelled, they can also cover more mileage than a typical BEV. For example, the Toyota Mirai has the shortest range for a commercial FCEV, covering about 317 miles at full tank. Comparatively, the base model of a Tesla 3 can only cover 220 miles when fully charged, so the Mirai can cover almost 50% more than the Tesla.

Why aren’t there more Electric Vehicles?

So, they have a higher energy density, can refuel faster and have a greater mileage than a BEV. They also don’t have the emissions problem plaguing traditional cars, so why aren’t there more FCEVs out in the market? It all boils down to two reasons: Cost and Convenience.

Currently, FCEVs are more expensive than BEVs and certainly more than traditional gasoline cars. And also, there’s the additional cost of fuel. For one kilogram of hydrogen fuel, it can cost as much a $14 whereas the equivalent cost of gasoline would cost around $5.80.

The other problem is that of convenience. Gas stations and even EV charging stations for BEVs are quite common and convenient. However, hydrogen refuelling stations are far less common.

There are also safety concerns about storing that amount of hydrogen in one place. Any storage tanks of hydrogen would need to very secure and strong to avoid potential hazards.

Basics of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

To understand how a hydrogen fuel cell car works, it is important to understand what a fuel cell is.  So, the reaction within the fuel cell is essentially an “electrochemical” reaction. This is because chemical reaction produces the electrical energy.

Similar to a battery, a fuel cell has three key components. It has a positively charged cathode) and a negatively charged anode. These terminals are separated by a chemical known as an electrolyte.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells – How do they Work?

In a hydrogen fuel cell, the cathode (positive terminal) receives the hydrogen gasg through a series of pipes from the hydrogen storage tank. The anode (negative terminal) receives oxygen from the air through another series of pipes.

The cathode is usually made from metals like platinum. This acts as chemical catalysts to speed up the chemical reaction. At the cathode, hydrogen atoms split up into simpler, more unstable particles known as ions. Ions are basically atoms with their electrons stripped away, this makes them quite unstable.

Due to the lack of electrons, the hydrogen ions have a positive charge. So, they naturally attract to the anode with the negative charge. They will hence travel through the electrolyte from the cathode to the anode.

The electrolyte is a thin layer of material, usually made from a type of polymer, that only lets through protons.

The electrons that were separated from the hydrogen atoms at the cathode, now flow through an external electrical circuit towards the anode. Any flow of electrons will produce a current, so this movement of electrons in the external circuit will power the motor.

At the negatively charged anode, the protons and electrons will join with oxygen to form H20, also known as water. This water elimination happens through an exhaust pipe as steam or vapour.

This type of fuel cell is commonly referred to as a PEM, a proton exchange membrane, since it selectively allows protons to pass through.

The amount of hydrogen is the only limiting factor in an FCEV, because there is readily available oxygen in the air. FCEV technology are constantly evolving, and only time can tell if they could overtake gasoline vehicles or BEVs in the future.

Hybrid Car Battery Lifespan Explained – Answers to Common Questions

Hybrid cars are all the rage these days. The world’s population is growing and there are many growing economies. This means that there are now more cars than ever on the road. More cars means more pollution. You just need to look at countries in South East Asia where smog is quite common as a result of heavy industrial and vehicle pollution. Hence, there is now enormous pressure on the government and car manufacturers around the world to increase the fuel efficiency of cars and hence drive down pollution.  

More and more car manufacturers are looking into novel technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicle technology. They are producing more hybrid vehicles from scratch or converting their regular car models into hybrid models.

Improving Fuel Economy in a World Battling Climate Change

Car engines generally are not very efficient. Most of the energy is lost in the form of heat and also because it is scientifically impossible for them to exceed a certain level of thermal efficiency. Cars generally use up a lot of energy in overcoming frictional forces such as air resistance. More energy will be wasted on air resistance if the shape of the body has sharp edges and contours.

So, one way that car manufacturers try to improve fuel efficiency is by focusing on optimizing the aerodynamic shape of car bodies.  The best way to do is to streamline the car body as much as possible. You would have noticed how the bodies of fish have a smooth, elongated shape. This applies the same concept. Streamlined shapes overcome resistance from fluids such as air or water more easily. Of course, there is only so much car manufacturers can do. Slight changes in the car body shape due to added cargo, for example, can significantly affect air resistance and hence fuel economy.

Other technologies to improve fuel economies have included things like improved fuel injectors, continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps to run the engine at its optimum speed, systems to extract and reuse waste heat from the exhaust, lighter construction materials to lower the weight, and finally hybrid technologies also improve fuel economy.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) uses regular internal combustion engines in conjunction with an electric battery that powers an electric motor. They essentially have two sources of power for the car: petrol or diesel and electric power.

Popular car manufacturers have started to offer hybrid options. Examples include Hyundai’s Ioniq series (which was recently named the most fuel-efficient car in the US) and the Toyota Prius which is a full hybrid.

To understand how hybrid batteries work, it is important to have a basic understanding of their components and the different types available.

There are several types of hybrid vehicles:

Series Hybrid

These types of hybrids do not directly use the gasoline engine to drive the car. The engine instead runs the electric motor. The electric motor is normally run by the generator or battery pack. The car’s control system will decide on the amount of power that should be dedicated and where it comes from (generator, battery or engine).

Parallel Hybrid

These types of hybrids drive the car using both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The basic power is sourced from the electric motor while the engine is engaged when power requirements are much higher. So, when the vehicle is in idle, the engine can be switched off. The battery is mostly charged by regenerative braking.

These are the most commonly available, simplest, and cheapest hybrid type in the market.

Plug-in Hybrid

These types of hybrids rely more on electric power for running the car. They have larger batteries than cars. They can cover a greater distance relying just on electric power than other hybrids.

What is unique about these types is that the batteries are charged in public charging docks, similar to gas stations.

Full Hybrids

With these hybrid vehicles, the car fully relies on electric power from the motor to drive the car. So, the motors and batteries are quite powerful. They are also the most efficient of all hybrid vehicles. With full hybrids, you can choose from parallel, series or full-electric modes.  

In addition to the regular internal combustion engines, the core components of a hybrid include:

Electric Motor

Hybrid cars mostly rely on gasoline like normal cars, but they also have electric power that acts as a supplement to the gasoline. The electric motor helps to run at speeds that the internal combustion engine is not very efficient at. The additional power source also means that hybrid vehicles can use smaller internal combustion engines and they have a higher fuel economy than regular cars.  

Automatic Start-Stop Technology

This feature ensures that no fuel is wasted when the vehicle is in idle, such as during traffic. It turns off the engine and automatically restarts it when the accelerator is pressed, or brake is released. The process is very smooth and aims to increase the fuel economy.

Regenerative Braking

Normally when a car decelerates, the momentum is lost in the form of heat. Regenerative braking is a system where it absorbs this energy which would otherwise be lost and reuses it elsewhere. The movement of the wheels drive the electric motor which temporarily acts like a generator.

Rechargeable Electric Battery

Hybrid vehicles have a ‘battery pack’ that can be recharged to provide and store electric power from the motor. The battery pack is comprised of separate battery cells that form one unit. Hybrid car batteries are continuously improving to improve efficiency and to save weight and space (since batteries taking up weight and space is a common complaint about electric and hybrid vehicles).

The most common types of hybrid car batteries include lithium-ion, lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride.

How Hybrid Batteries Work

It is important to note that hybrid cars also have normal 12 V car batteries. Hybrid batteries are there to power up the electric motor. They are charged by:

  • External power stations (plug in types)
  • Regenerative Breaking
  • Generator powered by the combustion engine

Typically, hybrid batteries can last up to 10 years or a mileage of 125,000 miles. A 40kWh Nissan Leaf, for example, has an 8 year warranty and 100,000 miles.

How do they differ from regular car batteries?

In normal car batteries, there are six battery cells sitting in lead acid. In hybrid batteries, there are many ‘dry cells’ that are placed in modules or cassettes and covered in silicone or di-electric gel. Hybrid batteries are larger in size and capacity than normal ones. They also have ‘smarter’ technology to monitor parameters such as amperage and voltage.

Types of Hybrid Batteries

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

Lithium-Ion Batteries comprise of carbon and lithium, similar to ones found on smartphones. They can be smaller in size while storing more energy than other battery types. These batteries also have longer lifespans. They tend to be their most efficient when they are smaller in size. Bigger Li-Ion batteries have issues with overheating and hence reduced efficiency.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)

NiMH batteries are the ones found in most hybrid vehicles these days. They are not as expensive as Li-Ion batteries. NiMH batteries have a more stable performance than lithium batteries but tend to lose their charge more easily.

Lead Acid

These have been used for a while in normal cars, and hence, the cheapest hybrid batteries. Its performance is more predictable, and they are safer. They do, however, have lower capacities so you can’t cover much distance on full-electric mode. They are generally used to store the energy from regenerative breaking.

Factors Affecting Hybrid Battery Lifespan and How to Improve It

With hybrid batteries, driver habits can significantly affect the condition and lifespan of the batteries. Some factors that affect battery lifespan include:

Heat

Plugging the battery plug in or exposing it to high temperatures can reduce the battery lifespan.

Overcharging

When the battery has reached its full charge and maximum voltage, keeping the battery exposed to this maximum voltage can damage it. Fortunately, most batteries these days have systems to prevent overheating.

Discharging too fast

Draining the battery too quickly can shorten the lifespan of the battery. This means that you should recharge the battery before it drains down to 5-10%.

Slowing down too quickly

If you regularly decelerate the car abruptly, it can reduce the lifespan. This is because the batteries need time to charge during regenerative braking and braking too fast will interfere with this process.

Improving Lifespans

To prevent a decrease in lifespan, you should avoid making the mistakes mentioned before. Additionally, you should:

  • Do regular check-ups. Ask servicing places if they can check up on the condition of the battery so you can quickly detect any issues.
  • Clean out auxiliary fans. Hybrid batteries are powerful, so they can overheat easily. Hence, it is important to keep the auxiliary fans regularly cleaned since they are there to prevent overheating.
  • Some servicing places could also offer battery reconditioning services, which may save you from buying an expensive new battery.

Feature Image Source

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