The term “hybrid car” is now an indispensable part of the automotive world. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the question: what is a hybrid car? We will also pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars and how these special types of cars work.
Een hybride auto is een voertuig dat wordt aangedreven door twee of meer energievormen. Het meest voorkomende type hybride auto gebruikt zowel een benzinemotor als een elektromotor om het voertuig aan te drijven.
So, what is a hybrid car? The term hybrid means that the vehicle is powered by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The internal combustion engine uses fuel from the tank and runs on that. The electric motor uses electricity from the battery, which is also in the car. Hybrid cars are known for charging themselves while driving. This happens when you slow down. The brakes then produce energy, which is stored in the battery.
Various hybrid cars
There is a difference between an electric and a hybrid car. Read more here about the difference between an electric car and a hybrid. Within hybrid vehicles, you'll also find different types:
- Fully hybrid (HEV): this vehicle can run entirely on both engines.
- Half-hybrid or mild-hybrid (MHEV): these cars also run on both engines, but the electric motor and internal combustion engine work together here. They do not work independently of each other.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): these cars must be charged using a cable at charging stations.
Het voordeel van een hybride auto is dat hij zuiniger is met brandstof omdat hij gebruikmaakt van een elektromotor en een verbrandingsmotor. Dit resulteert in lagere emissies en dus een kleinere ecologische voetafdruk. Hybride auto's zijn ook stiller en bieden een soepeler rijgedrag, vooral bij lagere snelheden.
The most commonly heard benefit of a hybrid car is its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Read more about eco-driving here. Whether you drive a full or semi-hybrid vehicle, you will drive at least ten percent more economically with a hybrid. Other advantages of a hybrid vehicle are:
- Hybrid cars provide a better image, so hybrid company cars are perfect for a sustainable business.
- Fiscal benefits, as there is, for example, half the rate for road tax
- Charging a battery using charging stations is cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel.
- Hybrid cars have quiet engines.
Are there any downsides?
There are also a number of disadvantages to driving a hybrid car. Firstly, hybrid cars are more expensive to buy, as they are not yet produced in large quantities and are more difficult to manufacture. Secondly, space in the car must be reserved for both the internal combustion engine and the battery, which reduces seating space. A final disadvantage is that plug-in hybrid cars have a smaller range. This means you have to charge your car periodically. Therefore, as a beginner, it might not be the best choice., These cars are better for novice drivers..
Een hybride auto combineert een benzinemotor met een elektromotor. De elektromotor wordt gevoed door een batterij, die opgeladen wordt tijdens het remmen of door de benzinemotor zelf. De auto kan volledig elektrisch rijden, volledig op de benzinemotor, of beide motoren tegelijkertijd gebruiken. Dit zorgt voor een lager brandstofverbruik en minder uitstoot.
A hybrid car still has a traditional internal combustion engine, usually petrol. This engine drives the car and also charges the batteries via a generator. In addition to the combustion engine, this car has an electric motor that is powered by batteries. Read this blog to see if it's sensible to buy a second-hand electric motorbike. These batteries store energy generated during braking (regenerative braking) and when the combustion engine is running. When the driver brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator. Instead of just slowing down through friction braking, kinetic energy is converted into electricity and fed back to the batteries. The electric motor can power the car independently at low speeds or under light load, and it is also used to assist with acceleration.
