What exactly is a Hybrid Car?
The basic idea behind hybrid cars is that different motors work better at different speeds. The electric motor is better at producing torque, or turning power, and the combustion engine is better at maintaining high speed than a typical electric motor. Switching from one to the other at the right time while speeding up results in a win-win in terms of energy efficiency, resulting in greater fuel efficiency.
Do Hybrid vehicles require charging like EVs?
An internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries power hybrid electric vehicles. A hybrid electric vehicle’s battery cannot be charged by plugging it in. Instead, the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking charge the battery. The additional power provided by the electric motor may allow for a smaller engine. When the engine is turned off, the battery can power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling. These features work together to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance. More information on hybrid electric vehicles can be found here.
How long does a Hybrid battery last?
Most car manufacturers say that a hybrid battery lasts from approx 128747 km to 160934 Km. However, with the right maintenance and basic auto repair, hybrid owners have reported some batteries lasting up to 241401 Km and even up to 321868 Km.
Some of the latest Hybrid car options in India-
1. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Toyota’s highly anticipated compact SUV will hit the market very soon. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder has been fully revealed, and we now know that it will be available in four trim levels.
Aside from Toyota’s extended absence from one of India’s most competitive segments, the Hyryder is bringing change with its powertrain options. It will be available with a strong-hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine and an electric motor to achieve up to 27.97kmpl in fuel economy. A 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology mated to a 5-speed manual with the option of a 6-speed automatic will be the more affordable powertrain option. This engine, which comes with a manual transmission, is also available with an all-wheel drive.
2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Maruti Suzuki recently revealed the Grand Vitara Hybrid SUV. The Grand Vitara will replace the other C-Segment SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos when it goes on sale in early September. It’s interesting to note that the Grand Vitara will be the country’s most expensive and high-tech SUV from the Indo-Japanese automaker.
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with two engine options. The first is a 1.5-litre mild hybrid system that develops 100 bhp and 135 Nm of peak torque with the help of a 5-speed manual or an AT. The other offering is a 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine paired to an e-CVT, the same seen in the Toyota Hyryder. The engine makes 114 bhp of power. The carmaker also claims a mileage of 27.97 kmpl, the highest in its class, and also the most fuel-efficient SUV in India.
3. Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry is a 5-seater sedan priced at Rs. 44.35 lakh. It is powered by a 2.5-litre self-charging petrol hybrid engine mated to an e-CVT transmission. The hybrid is capable of driving in pure EV or pure ICE mode or a combination of both.
What are the benefits of Hybrid Electric Self-Charging Technology?
As a powerful and eco-advanced technology, it offers a silent and smooth drive with instant power which has numerous advantages, as listed below:
- Ability to run on EV mode
- Delivers a very high fuel efficiency
- Emission levels that are well below the specified limit
- No external charging is required.
- Responsive power & a quieter yet sustainable drive.
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