[Auto] What is a hybrid car and how much does it cost to maintain

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When it comes to talking about cars and new technologies, it is important to know what a hybrid is. We tell you all the details and data to take into account

 

Within the new technologies applied to the world of cars, there are different variants that aim to make a vehicle more sustainable and friendly to the environment, and the possibility of clearly knowing what we are talking about when we ask ourselves what a hybrid car is. important when choosing a unit.

A hybrid means that a car works with two engines, one with combustion as those traditionally known, as is the case with gasoline, and the other electric, through the use of a battery that recharges automatically or by plugging it into an outlet. current.

Today, these models are quite well known, but until two decades ago, when the public learned of the existence of the first hybrid vehicles, these were little more than a curiosity, a novelty that did not exist in the real world and many wondered what. it is a hybrid car.

Currently this means of transport is a reality that is increasingly being found on the streets of the world and also in Argentina.

 

Definition: what is a hybrid car?
"Hybrid" - in the automotive context and as we explain it - means that the car in question is put in motion by both an electric motor and a traditional fuel motor. The important thing is to know that the two systems work with each other to turn the drive wheels.

What is hybrid: the Toyota Prius, one of the pioneers.
The trend of these models began several years ago and the most common example to understand what a hybrid car is can be explained through the Toyota Prius, the car that in 1997 began with this type of products in the global market.

Now, however, there are several models to consider and also the reason why they are po[CENSORED]r and people choose them is because they reduce one of the biggest daily expenses which is fuel consumption.

In this way, better fuel economy is the main reason behind the question of what is a hybrid and why to buy it.

But there are other benefits that even automakers take into account: In essence, a hybrid's electric motor gets its power from an on-board battery, which is usually found in the trunk or on the floor pan for lowering. the center of gravity and improve handling, which is also a huge improvement.

 

Functioning
To understand what a hybrid car is and how it works, certain driving conditions must be taken into account, which favor the exclusive use of the electric motor, such as driving below a certain speed or sitting idle.

In these cases, it is important to know what is a hybrid because that is when the engine remains off and, therefore, does not burn gasoline. When the battery level reaches a certain level of depletion, or if the accelerator is fully depressed, the gasoline engine automatically kicks in to help both recharge the battery and propel the drive wheels.

On the other hand, it could be said that these models all look the same: they are vehicles powered by both gasoline and electric power and are aimed (in principle) at saving fuel. That may be your primary identifier. But the designs vary, depending on the type of vehicle and model, and there are also different types of hybrid vehicles.

Ford Kuga, another case to know what is hybrid.
Faced with this reality, when we ask ourselves what a hybrid car is, it is important to remember that in a traditional one, such as a Toyota Prius, Ford Kuga or Ford Mondeo, the gasoline engine is still the main source of energy.

The electric motor also generates electricity by converting kinetic energy with regenerative braking. However, without the engine that uses traditional fuel, the hybrid's battery cannot be recharged to power the electric motor or activate some of the vehicle's major functions. Therefore, the car would basically become a very short-range, very low-power electric vehicle.

Electric motor
It's key to understand that an electric motor drives the wheels by sending power through the transmission each time the accelerator is pressed. In hybrids like a Prius or Chevrolet Volt, the electric motor acts solely to start the car from a standstill.

 

Once a certain speed is exceeded, or the accelerator pedal is depressed to a certain point, the gasoline engine kicks in to assist the electric motor by sending more power through the CVT transmission, ultimately using both motors to move the wheels.

In this way, controlling everything, a series of computers automatically detect certain driving conditions and various parameters. Although fuel economy is the primary goal, computers will always prioritize the use of the electric motor over the traditional motor.

The key to consumption
Manufacturers also began to realize that these models can greatly benefit performance, and have therefore designed various types of hybrid vehicles. This is mainly due to the instantaneous power delivery of electric motors; Internal combustion engines, on the other hand, have to "charge" before reaching their peak power.

Fuel economy, one of the keys when wondering what a hybrid is.
On the other hand, to take into account how much is saved in maintenance, in the case of fuel, a conventional car that can spend between 9 and 10 liters on average of gasoline, will consume an average of 6 liters with a hybrid.

So what is a hybrid car, means in this case saving money. Translated into daily use, while to travel 100 kilometers a person would spend 9 liters or 900 pesos on average (depending on the value of fuel in the area, but taking about $ 100 per liter, in a hybrid it will be 600 pesos).

High-end cars
In the case of high-end models, the question of what is a hybrid car has another answer. For example, the Porsche 918, McLaren P1 and LaFerrari rely on a combination of an electric motor and a gasoline engine for propulsion and power. However, they are all designed differently, especially when compared to the traditional hybrid system found in a mass market vehicle.

The Porsche 918 has a twin-turbo V8 that sits in the middle of the chassis that powers the rear wheels, but it also has electric motors mounted on the front axle, giving the 918 a "simulated" all-wheel drive bringing life to life. a new type of vehicle that answers questions about what a hybrid is.

 

The McLaren P1's electric motor is integrated into the gasoline engine and mated to a dual-clutch transmission, while LaFerrari's hybrid capabilities include a system developed for Formula 1 racing, also known as the KERS, or recovery system. kinetic energy (regenerative brake).

However, ultimately, they all depend on electricity and gasoline for their propulsion.

 

The mild hybrids
In addition to knowing all the key facts about what a hybrid car is, it is worth mentioning that more recently another term has also started to emerge, adding to the list as yet another variant: the "mild hybrid".

 

What is hybrid or mild hybrid, the new option of the Ram 1500.
In this case, the new versions appear to describe one of the most recent innovations in the industry: the 48-volt electrical system.

This mild hybrid is used in the new Ram 1500 eTorque. The 48-volt system provides an additional electrical supply that supplements the standard 12-volt electrical supply used in vehicles. It also powers a new electric motor / generator combination module, or 'EMG', mounted outside of an internal combustion engine and connected directly to the crankshaft pulley via a heavy duty belt.

In this case, the EMG acts as a small electric motor that also functions as a starter and alternator.

The EMG briefly powers the motor on and off with electrical power before the engine computer automatically switches to gasoline power, plus hybrid-like benefits without the electric motor sending its power directly through the transmission or axles . It also dispenses with the need to use an automatic function to stop the engine starting.

 

What is hybrid and why buy it
If you doubt, one of the main causes when knowing what a hybrid car is and deciding to buy it, is to lower maintenance costs. As with any car purchase, you must consider your budget and needs, and find a vehicle to suit it.

Thanks to its increasing po[CENSORED]rity, today there are many hybrid models to choose from, of all shapes and sizes. Those who want a regular car-based hybrid can opt for the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai Ioniq, with other hybrid versions of various other models also available. If the standard models don't appeal to you, there are also hybrid SUV and crossover options: Toyota Rav4, Toyota Corolla Cross, among others.

Some luxury automakers like Lexus also produce hybrids. Other manufacturers include Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Audi, Mini, BMW, and many more.

 

Pollution
There are a few other things to think about when considering purchasing a combustion engine and an electric model.

While knowing what a hybrid is it is important to know that they produce less CO2 than vehicles powered by traditional fuels, it was recently discovered that the manufacturing process of their batteries outweighs all the environmental benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle, because It takes a lot of energy to extract the metals needed to make battery packs.

Another problem is the disposal, storage and recycling of these batteries, which changes the advantages over the hybrid.

 

What is hybrid: two engines coordinate the operation.
So while some might save money on gas and produce less CO2 than a traditional gas-powered vehicle, driving a hybrid won't do much to save the planet.

Until there is a revolutionary technological advance that can solve the current challenges of internal combustion engines, electric motors, battery packs (or all of the above), cars with this option are not a definitive solution to the problem of the Pollution.

In this way, knowing what a hybrid car is does not solve pollution problems, but the "most ideal" solution could be that of a fully electric vehicle or EV.

Currently, the problem is that electric cars are still limited by range and lack of charging infrastructure.

Not to mention, they still get their electricity from fairly fossil fuel-dominated plants, which also brings up some criticism. Also, battery and electric motor technology is still quite expensive. If charging infrastructure is sparse, a hybrid may be the best option.

 

Link: https://www.iprofesional.com/autos/352709-que-es-un-auto-hibrido-y-cuanto-cuesta-su-mantenimiento