As environmental demands increase and consumer habits change, car manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce their negative impact on the environment while meeting the wishes and needs of drivers.
One answer is hybrid cars, which have both electric and gasoline engines. The next step in this direction is plug-in or rechargeable hybrids, which can work both as electric cars and as conventional internal combustion cars.
In the city – electric, but on the highway – gasoline engine
Today, the range and capabilities of plug-in hybrids are greater than ever. For example, the latest French Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV allows you to enjoy original design and comfort, as well as the practicality of SUV models and the economy of a hybrid. The Volkswagen Tiguan plug-in hybrid recently debuted in Latvia, and models using this hybrid drive are also offered by Ford, Peugeot and Jeep, as well as various premium segment manufacturers.
In the city, such cars can be driven in the same way as ordinary electric cars, and if you want, you can also go on further trips outside the city, which is one of the biggest advantages of rechargeable hybrids.
“As long as the plug-in hybrid uses only electricity, it is a pure electric car with all the moral and environmental benefits of such a car. If there were more such vehicles, it would certainly be possible to avoid urban pollution and travel freely. When traveling around the city on a daily basis, you can only use electricity, but if you need to go to a country house or somewhere further, everything is simple, because you know that such a car will go anywhere, because it also has a regular gasoline engine. You are simply not a hostage to the public electric charging infrastructure, ”says Aldis Zelmenis, creator of the TV Auto news program, who has tried many plug-in hybrids and experienced various challenges with them.
Ingars Tenis, a car inspector and editor-in-chief of the Internet portal TVNET Auto, also notes that plug-in hybrids are a great choice for Latvian conditions.
“Compared to 100% electric cars, which are directly dependent on plug-in hybrids for public electric charging infrastructure, there is more freedom of movement. With a relatively small supply of electrical supply, the car’s internal combustion engine allows you to drive wherever and whenever you want, as it has the right infrastructure. In this case, we are already talking about two cars and the plug-in hybrid allows you to drive in the city like an electric car, but on the highway – like a regular car, ”the journalist emphasizes.
Only electricity will be enough for daily needs
With the latest plug-in hybrids, you can drive 40 to 60 km with electricity alone. For example, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can drive approximately 40-45 km, while the Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV with a 13.2 kW battery can drive more than 50 km without an internal combustion engine connection. According to car experts, to drive every day in the city, it is enough to use only the electric part of the hybrid drive.
‘It is certainly possible to cover the distance specified by the manufacturer when driving in normal mode with a small saving of energy, but without becoming a burden and an obstacle for other road users. 40-50 kilometers of electricity alone is enough for many people not to even start an internal combustion engine. If I don’t have any special business that day, I personally don’t need any more, “says I. Tenis.
By using an electric regeneration system, the distance traveled by the electric motor can be increased. For example, the Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV, which has this system, recovers energy from the battery when rolling downhill or braking. In this way, the distance covered by electricity alone can be increased by at least a few kilometers a day.
No subtleties – sit and drive
Some drivers, with a little distrust, look at both traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids because they have doubts about their driving characteristics and are convinced that it is better not to approach such cars without special knowledge. But car experts say that no special additional skills are required to get behind the wheel of a hybrid.
“You just sit back and drive! If you only use electricity, you can enjoy smooth acceleration. When driving with an electric plug-in hybrid, there’s definitely a difference. The ride won’t be as dynamic as with a 100% electric car, and when the petrol engine starts as with an ordinary car, ”says I. Tenis.
After testing many plug-in hybrids, A. Zelmenis did not notice any differences in their use and driving.
“The petrol mode is no different from a regular petrol car, and the electric mode is no different from an electric car. The hybrid mode is very similar to a traditional self-charging hybrid. Everything is simple and the user does not need to learn anything special,” says the specialist.
A step towards an electric car
According to experts, plug-in hybrids essentially acted like electric cars, but they do not have the inherent shortcomings, and therefore they can become a stop for those who are considering buying an electric car, but are still overwhelmed with some fear and uncertainty.
“The rechargeable hybrid gives you the opportunity to test the electric drive. Such a car can demonstrate that after 40 km, there will be no problems driving, for example, 150-200 km with a 100% electric car with a larger battery. Therefore, plug-in hybrids also act as an educational tool, at the same time teaching to handle charging cables and devices, ”says A. Zelmenis.
He adds that plug-in hybrids provide drivers with complete operational specificity for electric vehicles. Their advantage over electric cars is a shorter charging period because the batteries are smaller. For example, the aforementioned Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV will be fully charged from a household mains socket in about six hours, but with a 22 kW charging station – in just two hours. So, for example, when you start charging in the evening, you can go electricity only the next day.
–
It is strictly forbidden to use, copy or reproduce the materials published on iAuto.lv on other Internet portals, mass media or otherwise handle the materials published on iAuto.lv without the written permission of EON SIA.
.
