A recent YouGov poll found that 42% of those looking to buy a car in the next 12 months would consider a hybrid car.
While hybrid cars may have a higher initial cost, they can have lower running costs and are more eco-friendly to drive.
If you have yet to explore the hybrid car market, The Filter Services UK team has put together the following guide about hybrid vehicles to guide you.
Hybrid cars: An overview
Hybrid cars offer a middle ground between powering your car using fossil fuels (i.e. petrol or diesel) and pure electric vehicles.
Hybrid cars work by using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. These power sources can work together or independently.
While the presence of two motors in one car might sound like more can go wrong with the car, hybrid cars are actually mechanically simpler, as they often have no clutch or starter motor.
Most models also have a gearbox that never disengages making it more resistant to wear. The electric motor can also mean the petrol engine doesn’t need to work as hard, which can also reduce the chance of issues.
Beyond lower running costs, the main attraction of hybrid cars is that they provide a compromise if you are concerned about the environmental impact of a conventional car as well as the distance capabilities of an electric car.
Types of hybrid cars
- Full hybrids (FHEVs)
- Mild hybrids (MHEVs)
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)
- Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs)
Full hybrids (FHEVSs) are ideal for drivers who spend a lot of time in start-stop traffic. A full hybrid can only run on electricity for brief periods, though it will intuitively turn the engine off whenever it can, including when travelling at low speeds. The brake regeneration system recoups energy from the motor when the car slows down. It’s often the case with hybrid cars that the engine rarely or never powers the wheels directly, instead acting as a generator to keep the battery topped up.
Unlike plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), full hybrids do not need to be plugged in due to the aforementioned regenerative braking technology.
How do the other hybrid car types stack up with full hybrids?
Mild Hybrid (MHEV) – Mild hybrid cars have cheaper upfront costs than full hybrids. They can provide a slight boost in fuel economy and don’t change the driving experience too drastically. However, the electric motor only assists the engine so a mild hybrid cannot be driven on electric power alone.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – Ideal if you can charge your car at home and want to drive mostly on electric power, a plug-in hybrid can offer mileage of between 20 to 80 miles on a single charge. PHEVs have a higher upfront cost than full hybrids but can offer the best fuel savings for short trips.
Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) – As the name suggests, a range-extended electric vehicle can provide additional mileage compared with other hybrid cars. So long as you plan on driving in areas that have easy access to charging stations, REEVs can mostly rely on electric power, with the petrol engine only kicking in when the battery is depleted.
Benefits of hybrid cars
- Great for city driving
- Increased fuel efficiency compared with cars powered by fossil fuels
- Hybrid cars are better for the environment
- Boasts superior technology like regenerative braking
- Auto start-stop function that instantly restarts the car when required
- Hybrid cars tend to hold their resale value well
- Various types are available to suit all usage needs and budgets
Hybrid car considerations
While hybrid cars adapt well to the demands of city driving, they are less preferred for driving long distances, especially motorway driving. Likewise, if you need to perform heavy towing with the vehicle or will be driving in very cold conditions, a hybrid car may not be able to meet demand. Instead, an electric vehicle may best suit your needs.
If a hybrid car needs maintenance, you need to find a mechanic who is specifically trained in hybrid cars. Depending on your location, this may prove to be a challenge. Furthermore, when you do find a hybrid mechanic, repairs for hybrid vehicles can be more expensive, especially if the battery needs replacing.
Filter Services – Are you new here?
We hope you’ve found the above information about all things hybrid cars useful. While you’re here, you might also be interested in filters we stock for your existing vehicle.
On our website, you’ll find a large selection of fuel filters, air filters, van filters and more to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Head over to our filters page to discover the top brands we stock including Donaldson, Fleetguard and Mann. Or, visit our branches in Chesterfield, Leeds or Leicester.
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