Hybrid cars have consistently captivated the attention of customers, especially since their sudden rise in popularity in the 2000s. As the demand for more efficient cars has been increasing, more auto companies have been developing their versions of hybrid vehicles. While Toyota; the Japanese automobile company, was the first to produce hybrid automobiles, brands such as Honda, Chevrolet, and Hyundai have recently developed new models, which include plug-in variations. The sleek designs and sophisticated technology have allowed for the persistence of this enticing sector of automobiles.
So what exactly is a hybrid car? The answer to this question can be found in its name. The term "hybrid" refers to its energy source. While typical automobiles run on fuel, hybrid cars are driven by both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine. The efficiency of the vehicle is a result of the “regenerative braking” system. When the hybrid vehicle is braking, the electric generator in the car transforms the mechanical energy of the tires into the electric energy needed for the battery. Subsequently, the traction battery pack stores the electric energy, which can be used for minimal tasks and slow-speed urban driving. Nevertheless, the conventional engine is solely dependent on gasoline. Thus, while hybrid cars have electricity-driven components, there is still a need to fill up the car, with gasoline. However, with the added efficiency of the electric generator, this need has been reduced significantly.
Figure 1: The components of a hybrid vehicle
Hybrid cars have been praised for their fuel efficiency and innovative technology. The use of an electric battery allows for increased fuel efficiency and less trips to the gas station. This is particularly true for individuals who drive short distances and have plug-in hybrids, as they can make trips that are powered by the electric battery. Adding onwards, this battery can be charged at home prior to their journey. In an essence, electric vehicles have achieved a similar status, especially because they are completely independent of gasoline. Electric cars, on the other hand, do not have a traditional engine, as they are solely powered by a hefty battery pack and an electric motor. Moreover, their power is maintained through the charging of the vehicle. With zero-emissions, they are considered to be very eco-friendly.
Unfortunately, no matter how efficient these vehicles may be, there will always be underlying drawbacks. Since many hybrid and electric cars depend on a lithium-ion battery they can be known to severely damage local ecosystems. Evidence proves that the extraction of lithium, can potentially lead to the release of toxic pollutants. Additionally, the manufacturing of hybrid cars is often energy-intensive and costly. Despite these negative consequences, the overall environmental impact of hybrid and electric cars is considered to be more minimal than that of standard automobiles, especially in terms of contributions to emissions and climate change. Essentially, recent initiatives, which focus on recycling lithium batteries, can contribute to the environmental triumphs of these vehicles.
Both the quality and the rate, of hybrid vehicle development are considered to be quite remarkable. It is unbelievable how rapid the entire automobile industry has been revolutionizing. Hybrid cars are becoming even more efficient throughout the years. These automobiles have both consistent and prominent high fuel economies, especially since “start-and-stop” technologies have minimized the energy loss during idling. According to carfromjapan.com, "idling is what happens when you let your car keep running without actually moving." Er go, the invention of the hybrid car has led to a burst in eco-friendly technology. Recently, hydrogen-fueled cars, such as the Toyota Mirai, have entered the scene. The future is green, as the bounds of innovation are constantly expanding, bursting at the seams and pushing the limits, which once seemed impossible to reach.
References:
Alternative Fuels Data Center. “Alternative Fuels Data Center: How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?” US Department of Energy, 7 May 2020, afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-hybrid-electric-cars-work.
Azuma, Tsukasa. "How Long Can A Car Idle And What Happens During Idling?" CAR FROM JAPAN, 9, July 2020, https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/how-long-can-a-car-idle/.
“Benefits vs Drawbacks: Gasoline Cars versus Hybrid Cars.” Sterling McCall, www.sterlingmccallford.com/hybrid-versus-gas-car.html. Accessed 17 May 2021.
Hineman, Brinley. “Fact Check: Electric Vehicles Emit Fewer Emissions and Are Better for the Environment.” USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2020, eu.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001.
“Hybrid vs. Electric Cars: How They Work.” J.D. Power, 4 Sept. 2020, www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/hybrid-vs-electric-cars-how-they-work.
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