Hybrid Cars: What are their Pros and Cons?

In recent years, hybrid cars have become the most efficient solution for responding to the sustainable mobility needs of motorists, and market data show an ever-growing share of hybrid car registrations in much of the world, also on the basis of many government incentives that have facilitated the replacement of the vehicle fleet.

Although fully electric vehicles have now reached important technological peaks, guaranteeing levels of autonomy that allow even long journeys to be tackled without recharging stress, the limits of public infrastructures and the swings in energy prices in recent months have held back many possible buyers. From this point of view, hybrid cars represent the best compromise between the past and future of the automotive world, with the manufacturers engaged in designing and proposing alternatives to traditional endothermic fuel vehicles to balance respect for the environment and energy saving maximizing the efficiency of their vehicles.

All the major automotive groups now offer a range of products in which more than one fuel variant is available for each model: from the traditional diesel or petrol to the "bi-fuel" methane or LPG, from the "full electric" to the various hybrid types. For this reason, in choosing a new car, in addition to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the models taken into consideration, it is now more than ever important to also evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the power supply, especially if you focus on a hybrid car.

What are the real pros of hybrid cars?

The advantages that make the purchase of a car equipped with hybrid power interesting are various and range from economic benefits to the possibility of circulation in large city centres, from the reduction of atmospheric pollution to greater driving comfort. Let’s see in detail what they are:

• Reduced consumption: the use of the electric motor guarantees lower consumption compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles

• Lower emissions: the reduction in fuel consumption, thanks to the internal combustion engine which is not activated in specific conditions, makes it possible to limit atmospheric pollution and reduce emissions of CO2 and PM10

• Parking concession: hybrid-powered cars enjoy specific concessions for parking in the charged areas. This applies to most of Europe and the EU.

• Driving comfort: using a hybrid-powered car reduces noise emissions and noise pollution. Studies by some car manufacturers have also shown that while driving in the city hybrid car drivers are much more relaxed compared to traditional car users

The cons of a hybrid car

Despite an objective list of positive elements that make the purchase of a hybrid car very interesting, we can still identify some disadvantages. For an informed choice, the following factors must also be taken into consideration:

• Purchase cost: for the same car model, the hybrid-powered versions cost higher than those equipped with a traditional engine. The price difference is justified by the different construction technology, by the complex electrical system but above all by the battery pack which has a high impact on the final cost, especially in the "plug-in" versions, equipped with large accumulators

• Electric range: "Mild Hybrid" cars do not allow you to select the all-electric driving mode. To have adequate autonomy that allows you to make a classic zero-emission commute from home to work you need to focus on PHEV, or plug-in hybrids, which are more expensive but thanks to an external recharge they allow you to travel on electric up to 70 kilometers

• Extra-urban journeys: the greatest benefits on consumption are obtained with city use. On extra-urban routes and motorway sections, the support of the electric motor is very limited and consumption is in line with that of a similar vehicle with a traditional engine. In the case of plug-in hybrids, consumption with a flat battery pack can be even worse due to the additional weight of the system which can reach almost 200 kg

• Recharge times: in the case of plug-in hybrid cars, the external recharge times can be long if connected to a 220 Volt domestic socket. Depending on your needs, it may be useful to install a high-power "Wall Box" at home or carry out the recharging operations at public stations

Hybrid cars are certainly the most suitable solution for motorists who live in large cities but based on the advantages and disadvantages associated with this type of power supply, the best answer for your needs will also depend on the intended use of the car and the initial investment you want to make.

Original article published on Money.it Italy 2022-12-12 18:27:30. Original title: Auto ibride: vantaggi e svantaggi