The myths and truth about hybrid cars
The consumer tends to believe most common myths about a product unfamiliar to him. As a result, it limits itself to being able to try something new, evaluate objective advantages or disadvantages, and make informed choices.
Modern hybrid cars are no exception to this rule. They fell victim to the ignorance of potential consumers and self-proclaimed experts. But, as with many other achievements of civilization, there is nothing wrong with that - time will put everything in its place.
The most common myths about hybrid cars
- Myth is the first. Hybrid cars provide incredible fuel economy
In fact, hybrid cars are not just designed to save fuel. They are designed to reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, to ensure good dynamics and high smooth acceleration in all modes. In fact, the presence of two drive variants (from the internal combustion engine and from the electric motor) makes it possible to use each of them in optimal conditions, or to combine them. As a result, with all the obvious benefits, a hybrid car still consumes less fuel than its monoaggregate counterpart. But no extraordinary savings of an ordinary hybrid car can be expected.
- The second myth. Hybrid car batteries quickly fail
Larger manufacturers often provide a warranty on the battery of hybrid cars for a period of 8-10 years. However, no one guarantees the proper functioning of conventional internal combustion engines during the same time. Even the body of an average conventional car can be noticeably corroded ten years after its release. That is, such a resource for a modern vehicle is sufficient. Indeed, over time, the batteries will lose some capacity, but a few years after they start operating, they can be replaced separately or separately. In addition, hybrid machines do not require such large, capacious and expensive batteries as classic electric cars.
- Myth Three. Hybrid cars are very expensive
Yes, vehicles with a hybrid drive are usually more expensive than traditional counterparts by 20-30%. This does not make them too expensive, as often additional options are more expensive. However, this difference is usually offset by several years of operation due to less fuel consumption.
- Myth Fourth. The hybrid car requires daily charging from the mains
Popular models with a combined drive system can be operated without charging from the socket. The energy required for the electric motor is supplied to the battery during braking and from the generator. PHEV type cars allow you to connect to the mains for recharging batteries. This allows you to use the drive more often and drive more economically. But again, the need for daily recharging from the socket can not be bothered.
- The fifth myth. The hybrid is complex in technical terms and expensive to repair
In fact, neither the battery nor the electric motor has anything extremely complicated. The propulsion system is simpler and more reliable than a conventional gasoline or diesel engine. But more detail increases the likelihood of malfunction in any mechanism, it is true. As for repair, it is really better to trust it to professionals. The actuator system is relatively simple, but it can run the risk of electric shock when attempting to repair or service it yourself.
- Myth Six. In such a car there is no sense, because all the work is done by the main engine
As arguments in favor of this statement mention the law of conservation of energy (the first law of thermodynamics). Proponents of this theory believe that the car should use the same amount of fuel, regardless of whether it is spent on the drive of the wheels directly or on recharging the battery of the hybrid installation. In fact, hybrid vehicles reuse the energy generated during braking, converted into electricity and stored in batteries. In addition, the electric motor minimizes the use of the main engine in modes where its efficiency is low.
Leodrive offers hybrid car rental in Lviv. Order a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to evaluate all the benefits of these vehicles yourself. The prices and terms of rent can be found on the website, in our office or by phone.