Hybrid Vehicles
Anthony Rommens
05-Nov-06
Hybrid or petrol-electric vehicles have been announced as ‘the’ current environmental choice in automobile ownership. Sales are now starting to slow in the United Kingdom as the initial ‘green’ publicity and Hollywood celebrity support is beginning to fade. Hybrids however remain a lifestyle choice for many who are concerned about our planet’s future. They save on petrol and produce extremely low carbon emissions. In this article, we answer the following; “What is a hybrid vehicle?”, “Do they save money?” and “What are recommended new vehicle choices?”
WHAT IS A HYBRID?
A Hybrid is simply an automobile that runs on both petroleum and electricity that is produced on board. Hybrids do not need to be plugged in. They should not be confused with battery powered vehicles that have limited driving ranges and require timely electrical recharging. Fueling a hybrid is just like a regular vehicle. They are filled within minutes at ordinary petrol stations. The batteries of a hybrid recharge as the vehicle’s combustion engine runs. Other recharging occurs when braking and this is called regenerative braking. They burn less petrol than regular vehicles because Hybrids run on battery power at low speeds or when stopped in traffic. As a result, they are often silent in operation at low speeds.
Many assume that running on battery then switching to petrol for power will create a vehicle that is underpowered. This is simply not the case. Electric torque is much more powerful than petrol engine torque. See Google Video online & use keywords “electric car vs ferrari” for an illustration (note that pure electric vehicles are not to be confused with Hybrids).
Most hybrid-vehicle maintenance is common, not difficult and can be handled by any trained auto-technician. Repair and training manuals are also readily available to independent mechanics. This means that hybrid owners may patronise local auto repair shops if they so choose. Many consumers assume that petrol engine transitions from the electric power are noticeable but in fact they are not because the tech is very well developed at this stage.
DO THEY ACTUALLY SAVE MONEY?
Hybrids do indeed save substantially on petroleum but does this saving offset their premium price? Technically, the answer is “No”. Hybrids are still more expensive than the lowest cost fuel efficient diesels. It is worth noting as well that the resale market for hybrids is only about 5% over conventional used vehicle values. If considering the environmental costs then this comparison may be misguided as it becomes a different equation. Hybrids do significantly reduce petrol pollution.
Hybrid batteries are larger than regular automobile batteries but are overall more environmentally friendly. Hybrid batteries are not exactly cheap but are less costly than that for purely electric vehicles. The nickel-metal-hydride batteries (NiMH) technology used in hybrids are similar to those used in small rechargeable devices (cameras, mobiles, laptops, etc.). Hybrid batteries do not pose as significant environmental threat as the nickel-cadmium batteries that they replace. This is because Nickel is less toxic than Cadmium. Nickel also has a scrap metal value so it can be recycled. Hybrid batteries have a life span of about ten years and so better recycling infrastructure should also be in place by that time in order to process these batteries.
Drivers of hybrid vehicles in Great Britain will also enjoy benefits from a low vehicle excise duty based on Carbon Dioxide emissions. In central London Hybrids are exempt from the eight pound daily congestion charge that could save drivers up to £2,000 pounds a year. Drivers of Hybrids also benefit from an insurance discount (up to 13%) from the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group.
There are more hybrids being introduced to the market each year. Automobile manufacturers such as GM and Ford have already licensed the technology from Toyota who is the leader. It is worth noting that most large hybrid vehicles (from GM & Ford) only reduce petrol consumption by small amounts unlike truer hybrid offerings from Toyota and Honda. All international car manufacturers have plans to either license or develop their own technology especially for the highest hybrid demand markets in America and Japan.
In looking at the many Hybrids currently available in the UK market. We have selected the following preferred vehicles that optimise this electric/petrol technology.
HONDA CIVIC
Honda is also in its second generation with hybrid technology. The Hybrid looks identical to Honda’s non-hybrid Civic saloon. It is well appointed inside with upscale trim.
Honda initially started their hybrid tech development with an ultraefficient two door car named Insight (2001) which used Integrated Motor Assist where the petrol engine would run all the time but then under acceleration and upon braking the battery would recharge. It achieved better gas mileage than the Prius but its design and styling was not popular with consumers.
Honda has improved their technology in the latest Civic Saloon hybrid to work more similar to Toyota’s hybrid system.
Honda’s latest boosts power by 20% over its previous Civic Hybrid.
Its performance is 0 to 60 mph in 12.1 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph.
Average fuel economy is 61.4 mpg (highway and in town). Carbon Dioxide emissions are 109 g/km. This hybrid retails less than the Toyota Prius at £16,300.
TOYOTA PRIUS
The Prius has been a fantastic sales hit for Toyota ever since it was introduced. It was the first mass produced hybrid on the market. It initially went on sale worldwide in 2001. The second generation still has buyer waiting lists.
Silent in operation with a start button (no keys) and instead of a gear shift there is a lever on the dashboard to select automatic power delivery. Features an onboard touch screen LCD display that shows the technology in action. This car has won numerous automobile awards including “Best engineered Car for 2004”, “2005 European Car of the Year” and “2006 EnerGuide Award. The most recent design has improved as it was somewhat criticised initially for aesthetics. The long term reliability reports rate very good with this vehicle.
Its performance is 0 to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 109 mph.
Average fuel economy is 67.3 mpg on highways with 56.6 mpg in towns.
Carbon dioxide emissions are about 105 g/km. This hybrid retails from £17,795 to £20,295.
LEXUS RX400H
As everyone knows, Lexus is the luxury brand from Toyota. Paying for luxury should mean improvement in all areas with petrol savings being no exception. No one likes to be labeled as frugal but not having to wait at the petrol pump as often is a definite luxury and there is also the practical bonus of not having to refuel often when on unfamiliar roads or in cold weather. The Lexus hybrids are ideal for those on long range business trips.
The Lexus RX400H Sport utility vehicle has a £5,000 premium over its non-hybrid version but consumers also get more power and a much quicker vehicle. Its performance is 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds (non-hybrid is only 8.7 seconds) with a top speed of 124 mph.
Average fuel economy is 37.2 mpg on highway with about 31 mpg in town.
Carbon Dioxide emissions are 192 g/km. This hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle price ranges depending on options from £35,485 to £44,350.
Check out other luxury hybrid selections online at www.lexus.co.uk
CONCLUSION
Whatever your choice may be, remember hybrids behave like pure petro-powered vehicles in terms of maintenance, performance, emit less CO2 than equivalent diesels, and deliver great fuel economy.
