Clearing Up the Hybrid Confusion: Everything You Need to Know

The term ‘hybrid’ gets thrown around a lot, but not all hybrid vehicles are created equal. With various terms like plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid, electric-assisted power, and more, it’s easy to get confused. If you're thinking about buying a hybrid, it's essential to understand the different types to make the best decision for your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the various hybrid systems and what they really mean.

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

At its core, a hybrid vehicle is any car that combines two different types of propulsion systems—usually an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. The concept isn't new either; hybrid technology dates back to the early 1900s, with Ferdinand Porsche’s Lohner-Porsche Mixte, which used a petrol engine to generate electricity for an electric motor. Fast forward to 1997, and Toyota mass-produced the world’s first hybrid car, the Prius, revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Today, hybrids come in many different configurations, and understanding what each one offers is crucial for choosing the right vehicle for you.

Full-Hybrid/Closed-Loop Hybrid

The full-hybrid system, also known as a closed-loop or self-charging hybrid, is the classic setup that powered the first Toyota Prius.

In a full-hybrid, the car generates electricity through the petrol engine and regenerative braking (where energy from braking is converted back into electricity). This system doesn’t require you to plug it in for charging. Instead, it harnesses the energy that would otherwise be wasted. The car uses the electric motor to assist the petrol engine, especially when starting from a stop, to improve fuel efficiency.

Typically, these hybrids have a very limited electric-only driving range of 1-5 km. They’re best described as a complementary system where the electric motor helps the petrol engine use less fuel and reduce emissions. Toyota is a prominent brand using this technology, and it remains their preferred setup in Australia.

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) takes the hybrid concept further by adding the ability to charge the vehicle via an external power source (like a wall socket). PHEVs have a larger battery than full-hybrids, typically between 13kWh and 18kWh, providing an electric-only driving range of around 40-60 km.

Once the electric range is depleted, the car switches to operating like a regular hybrid, using both the electric motor and the petrol engine.

This setup is ideal for those who want to drive a significant distance on electricity alone without the fear of running out of charge. PHEVs are especially popular for daily commutes where driving within the electric-only range is possible, yet they still offer the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips.

Mild-Hybrid

The mild-hybrid system can be confusing because it doesn’t quite meet the traditional definition of a hybrid. It uses a small electric motor, typically around 48 volts, to assist the internal combustion engine, but the electric motor can’t drive the car on its own.

Mild-hybrids primarily help power non-driving features like air conditioning, starter motors, and other electrical systems. They also regenerate energy to improve fuel economy, but unlike full-hybrids, they don’t provide significant power assistance when the car is moving.

Many car manufacturers use mild-hybrid systems to enhance fuel efficiency, but it’s important to note that these systems don’t allow the car to drive purely on electricity. Mild-hybrids are often marketed as hybrids, but they don't provide the same level of fuel savings or environmental benefits as full hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (e-POWER, REX, E-REV)

Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) are another type of hybrid-like vehicle. Brands like Nissan, BMW, and Chevrolet have developed variations of this technology, though it's not technically a hybrid.

For example, Nissan’s e-POWER system features a small petrol engine that doesn’t directly power the wheels but instead acts as a generator to charge the battery. This allows the car to run solely on electricity, but when the battery runs low, the petrol engine kicks in to recharge it. This setup is ideal for drivers looking to have an electric vehicle experience without worrying about charging infrastructure.

However, unlike a plug-in hybrid, you cannot plug in an e-POWER car for external charging. The petrol engine solely handles the charging, which is why it’s not classified as a hybrid in the traditional sense.

Which Hybrid is Right for You?

When choosing a hybrid, consider the following factors:

• Driving Distance: If you often drive short distances, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a decent electric-only range might be ideal. For longer trips, a full-hybrid would be more efficient.
• Fuel Efficiency: A mild-hybrid offers improved fuel economy but doesn't deliver the same level of efficiency as a full-hybrid or PHEV.
• Charging Infrastructure: If you have access to charging stations at home or work, a plug-in hybrid or extended-range EV may be a good choice. Otherwise, a full-hybrid could be a simpler, self-sustaining option.

Wrapping It Up

The term ‘hybrid’ is often used loosely in the automotive world, with various terms describing different technologies. From full-hybrids that regenerate energy to plug-in hybrids that allow for external charging, each system has its pros and cons. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right hybrid vehicle for your lifestyle.

At Tynan Motors, we can help you navigate the world of hybrid cars and find the perfect model to suit your needs. Whether you're after the latest Toyota hybrid, an advanced plug-in hybrid, or any other hybrid option, we’ve got the perfect choice for you. Let us help you drive into the future with a smarter, greener vehicle!