When Toyota launched the first modern day hybrid car, critics thought it was just another exhibition that would phase out in months. However, 2 decades later, the Toyota Prius had paved way for other hybrid models from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, and others. Hybrid cars are here to stay and it's only wise that every Nigerian car user and lover gets with the program. Reports also show that the hybrid powertrains might completely phase out the regular internal combustion engine in the coming years.
The hybrid car solves fuel economy issues of the Nigerian driver
But before you rush off to purchase what you don't fully understand, here's a breakdown of what a hybrid car is and how it actually works.
>>> Have you check out: 2021 Toyota Hybrid cars launched: What it means to Nigerians?
What is a hybrid car?
Hybrid means it's powered by more than just a regular powerhouse. Therefore, in this case, the hybrid engine is powered by your traditional fuel engine and an electric motor. With both working hand in hand, it helps tackle one of the biggest worries of the average Nigerian driver - consumption of fuel.
When Toyota released the Prius in 1997, the idea was to tackle fuel consumption issues. So they developed a system that would compliment the engine to save fuel efficiently. Not until recently did car manufacturers realize that hybridization didn't only save fuel but boosted a car's performance. With this ability to kill two birds with one stone, car brands are now making more hybrid cars than the old gas-only engines.
How does the hybrid engine work?
Different hybrid cars work a bit differently but still follow a somewhat similar pattern. In the Toyota Prius, Highlander, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion hybrids, the gasoline engine is still the main power source.
The electric motor is the main source for acceleration. Electricity is simply produced when regenerative braking is applied. The gas engine then helps the electric motor and transmits power to the CVT for further propulsion.
The hybrid car engine uses both gas and electric motor
In a BMW i3, there's a range extender and the car is capable of using just the electric motor to move - with the normal gas engine being a substitute. The Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren are also designed differently but still considered hybrid cars. The main idea is to have an electric motor carrying out part of the gas engine's duties.
>>> You might also like to watch the video down below about facts about hybrid cars:
List of some hybrid cars
| List of common hybrid cars | |
|---|---|
| Year | Brand and Model |
| 2007 | 2007 Chrysler Aspen hybrid |
| 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD | |
| 2008 | 2008 BMW Hydrogen 7 |
| 2009 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 blutec |
| 2011 | 2011 Mazda2 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco | |
| 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| 2012 | 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid |
| 2012 Honda CR - Z | |
| 2012 Audi Q5 hybrid | |
| 2013 | 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid |
| 2013 Lexus LS 600h L | |
| 2013 Volkswagen Jetta hybrid | |
| 2013 Infiniti M35h Hybrid | |
| 2014 | 2014 Nissan Leaf |
| 2014 Lexus RX 450h | |
| 2014 Lexus GS 450h | |
| 2015 | 2015 Kia Soul EV Drive |
|
Most Toyota Prius versions and over a hundred more. |
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What this means to the Nigerian driver
Fuel economy will always be important in the car-purchase decisions of Nigerian drivers. With lots of hybrid cars being produced, the cost of owning and maintaining one would drop and will become affordable. This means being readily available to the middle-class earner. So brace yourselves for the hybrid takeover - and it's for your own good!
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