Everyone is attempting to reduce their petrol costs due to the rising inflation. Some people even think about selling their vehicles, which makes sense given how expensive gas is. How can anyone afford to drive around?
But having a car has unquestionable benefits. It’s never too late to think about hybrid automobiles in the Philippines if you’re wanting to buy a car and have the money for it.
Yes, you read it correctly: buying a hybrid car locally is no longer a pipe dream. With the launch of the renowned Toyota Prius in 2009, hybrid vehicles made its debut in the Philippine automotive market.
In this in-depth beginner’s guide, learn why hybrid vehicles are a wonderful alternative to conventional vehicles.
What is a Hybrid Vehicle?
A hybrid vehicle is one that combines an internal combustion engine with at least one electric motor. A hybrid car can decide which of its two power sources is more effective in a particular driving situation since it has two of them. Most hybrid vehicles have software that instructs the electric motor to move the vehicle when you’re driving slowly. The standard engine may be preferable at higher istanbul escort speeds.
But how does an electric vehicle work? A hybrid vehicle has a high-voltage battery in addition to the standard battery. Regenerative braking is the technique of recovering energy from the slowdown that would otherwise be lost to the heat produced by the brakes. A hybrid vehicle’s gasoline engine is also utilized.
You can choose to drive solely using the electric motor, and then just switch to the gasoline engine when the battery is low. This can go the other way around as well.
Ran out of fuel? Switch to the electric motor before you reach the next gas station. From there, you can probably deduce the advantages of owning a hybrid car.
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How Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Work?
Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of electric motors that use battery-based energy storage with those of internal combustion engines, or gasoline engines. Regenerative braking, dual power sources, and less idle time are the main performance factors.
Instead of plugging the vehicle in to charge the batteries, hybrid electric vehicles work by regenerating braking energy and using the internal combustion engine.
Extra power is being provided by the electric motor and battery, enabling the usage of a smaller engine and even providing auxiliary loads that might reduce engine idling. Overall, these characteristics enhance vehicle performance while improving fuel efficiency.
The auxiliary battery, which supplies electricity to start the automobile before engaging the traction battery, is one of the essential components used by hybrid electric vehicles.
The DC/DC converter, which transforms the traction battery’s higher-voltage DC power into lower-voltage DC power to operate the car’s accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery;
The electric traction motor draws energy from the traction battery to drive the wheels; The electric generator, produces electricity from the rotation of the wheels during braking and transfers the energy back to the traction battery.
Types of Hybrid Vehicles
It’s vital to become familiar with these categories so you can more effectively sort through the lengthy list of hybrid vehicles available in the Philippines. Hybrid automobiles also fall into other subcategories that each have different benefits and drawbacks.
- The most prevalent type of car is a parallel hybrid. In a parallel hybrid, the gearbox is linked to both the gasoline engine and the electric motor, essentially combining the two power sources.
- In contrast to parallel hybrids, series hybrids have an electric motor that drives the wheels rather than a physical link between the engine and the wheels. The purpose of the gasoline engine is only to refuel the electric motor. A series hybrid uses a gasoline engine yet functions similarly to an electric car.
- Compared to other hybrids, plug-in hybrids feature a larger battery pack, and they require an external power source to be fully recharged. This car will switch to a traditional parallel hybrid if the battery runs out.
- Despite the fact that mild hybrids can’t run exclusively on electricity, their electric motor nevertheless supports the gasoline engine. Although not as effective as their hybrid equivalents, this reduces fuel consumption.
What distinguishes hybrid cars from electric vehicles?
Let’s be clear about one thing: a hybrid automobile isn’t precisely the same as an electric vehicle. Don’t worry about plugging an extension wire that will reach your garage.
As previously said, hybrid vehicles still have a gasoline engine that aids in their acceleration. They are free to select any suitable power source.
In contrast, electric cars, or EVs as they are more generally known, are powered solely by electricity and require little to no help from a gasoline engine. Large battery packs that enable EVs to travel at least 400 kilometers continuously are typically used to power them. Even while they seem convenient, they are expensive and will definitely significantly increase your monthly Meralco payment.
Although electric vehicles have been on the market for some time, most businesses have not yet made concessions for EV drivers. For instance, you’re unlikely to locate an EV charging station in remote areas, but if you travel far enough, you’ll undoubtedly come across a gas station. In the Philippines, it is now wiser to invest in hybrid vehicles.
Best Hybrid Vehicle in the Philippines 2022
Due to rising fuel and oil prices both locally and internationally, hybrid vehicles are slowly making their way into the mainstream. Compared to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrids provide better fuel efficiency and more sophisticated technologies.
These vehicles were originally quite expensive, but because of technological advancements, they are now more readily available and are starting to gain traction in the local market. Drivers who use hybrids enjoy a quieter and more comfortable journey.
If you’re thinking about buying a brand-new hybrid car, you might want to have a look at the models listed below.
Even yet, you might be surprised at how reasonably priced the majority of the models on the list are.
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Geely Azkarra
- Toyota Prius
- Nissan Kicks
- Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHE
- Volvo XC90
- LS 500h Premier
Advantages and Disadvantages of Driving a Hybrid Vehicle
Owning a hybrid automobile seems great in theory, but like with any purchase, you should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Before visiting your local vehicle dealership, consider the following most popular benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages:
1. Greater fuel efficiency
The fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle is arguably its largest benefit. Hybrid automobiles typically rank among the most fuel-efficient cars when compared to conventional vehicles since they are equipped with an electric motor that can replace or aid the gasoline engine. Hybrids can be more cost-effective in the long run, despite their higher initial costs.
2. Eco-friendly and sustainable
Due to the electric motors of hybrid cars, their gas engines typically utilize less gasoline, which results in lower carbon dioxide emissions. Consider buying a hybrid car if you’re an environmentally conscientious individual hoping to support the many initiatives addressing the global climate catastrophe.
3. Quieter engine and a smoother ride
In comparison to a conventional gasoline engine, an electric motor has more torque. As a result, a hybrid vehicle can accelerate more quickly and quietly. Additionally, an electric motor produces little to no noise, making for quiet and comfortable driving. When there are no irate car noises, you can better enjoy your journey songs or talks with your companions.
4. Efficient power sources
HEVs are powered by an electric motor and a gasoline engine. HEVs are effective because you can choose the power source that is best for the driving situation. A gasoline engine is often used when traveling at high speeds, but when the automobile is started, traveling at a constant speed in the low- and mid-speed ranges, and when coming to a complete stop, the electric motor replaces the engine, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
5. High-quality torque
Focusing on the electric motor, its strong torque enables HEVs to accelerate smoothly and quickly. As a result, drivers and passengers can enjoy creating their own in-car ambiance with music, podcasts, radio, and even just basic discussions without the intrusive engine noises. They also generate very little noise while operating.
Disadvantages:
Owning a hybrid car has drawbacks, but they’re generally not what you’d expect. Contrary to common belief, hybrid vehicles are as powerful to ordinary vehicles and have no trouble pulling or driving in the mountains. Depending on the hybrid fuel type your car utilizes, there may be drawbacks.
1. More costly upfront
Although hybrid and electric cars have been on the market for almost a decade, there is a reason why they are still not very well-liked. Because their price tags will make your wallet scream, that is. See if you still prefer a hybrid automobile over a less expensive choice by contrasting this lineup of hybrids with our list of the cheapest cars in the Philippines.
2. Inferior handling
A hybrid car is equipped with a gasoline engine, a lighter electric engine, and a battery pack. This increases the weight and takes up more room in the car. Manufacturers reduce weight because it reduces fuel efficiency, which leads to smaller motors and batteries and less support for the suspension and body.
3. Accident caused by Battery High Voltage
The high voltage found inside the batteries can be fatal to you in the event of an accident. In such situations, there is a great likelihood that you may be electrocuted, which can also make it challenging for rescuers to remove the driver and other passengers from the vehicle.
4. Recycling and Disposal of Batteries
Recyclable materials can be obtained from batteries that have reached the end of their useful life cycle. This cleans up the environment of garbage. The rate at which vehicle batteries are collected, however, is the fundamental challenge with recycling.
Recycling lithium batteries for mobile electronics presents the same issue. Although lithium is completely recyclable, the expense of extraction prevents it from having a high economic value. Only because of governmental regulations or for ecological reasons is it carried out.
Technology for electric and hybrid vehicles
The Philippines is currently dominated by gas- or diesel-powered automobiles.
The only hybrid we now hear about is for use in schools. A hybrid is a combination of two separate parts, roughly speaking. In automotive jargon, it refers to a vehicle with a gasoline or diesel engine cooperating with one or more battery-operated electric motors.
Electric batteries alone are used to power electric cars, or EVs. In a recent effort to support the electrification movement, SM installed EV charging stations in certain of their malls. If you’re close to an SM mall, you can use their facilities for nothing if you need to recharge your batteries.
Tips for buying Hybrid Cars
1. Make sure to maximize your budget
Even the least expensive hybrid vehicle in the Philippines might set you back more than a million pesos. Therefore, if your intention is to become a hybrid in order to save more money over time, invest in a vehicle that efficiently uses every last drop of petrol. As you can see from the list above, a higher price doesn’t always translate into better fuel economy.
2. Pick Your Type of Hybrid Car Carefully
Your total hybrid car experience will depend on the kind of hybrid vehicle you select. Decide on a model that suits your lifestyle before looking out where to buy a car with a hybrid system.
If fuel efficiency is your first priority and you want the complete hybrid experience, a parallel or series hybrid should be ideal. If you prefer to drive using your car’s electric power and don’t mind charging your car at home, a plug-in hybrid is the best option. By choosing a mild hybrid, you can initially save more money because they are typically less expensive than other hybrid varieties.
3. Select a hybrid with a lighter, smaller body
Get yourself a smaller, more compact vehicle if you want to save more money on gas and don’t have a big family. This will reduce the amount of fuel your hybrid engine uses, increasing its efficiency.
Common FAQs
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How long does the battery last?
Toyota hybrid batteries are made to last throughout the duration of the vehicle. The computer takes battery charging very seriously and prevents the system from charging the batteries too much or too little. Toyota provides an eight-year warranty for the battery in addition to the standard warranty that applies to the rest of the vehicle because of this and for your peace of mind.
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Why can’t I change it? Does it need to be plugged in every time?
A hybrid vehicle does not need to be charged. Regenerative braking and an engine connected to a generator, known as the Motor Generator 1 or MG1, are both used by Toyota hybrid drives to recharge the battery. Regenerative braking refers to the ability to recharge the battery using MG1 whenever you depress the accelerator or apply the brakes, much like a windmill does. The gasoline engine has the ability to drive a generator and charge the battery simultaneously. In essence, it recharges while you drive.
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How do Toyota hybrid cars function?
Toyota hybrid vehicles have a full hybrid drivetrain. This means that the hybrid can operate entirely on electric power, just like an electric vehicle, at low speeds where the electric motors are significantly more efficient. The gasoline engine takes over to move the car after you reach a speed of roughly 40 kph, at which point it is more effective. As a parallel system, the gasoline engine and the hybrid motor can both produce power simultaneously and work together to provide you with the acceleration you need when you need it.
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This is a new technology, right?
In no way. This Toyota hybrid battery system is of the fourth generation. Given that the first-generation Prius was created in 1997, Toyota has now been making hybrid vehicles for 25 years. That indicates that the Prius was making its debut at the same time Jack and Rose were fighting to survive the Titanic.
Conclusion
Although the idea of hybrid vehicles may seem futuristic in the Philippines, in this day and age they are just as much a reality. Everybody can currently have a glimpse of the future, therefore if you can afford one, maximize the value of every million dollars you spend on a hybrid.
It’s also recommended to have your million-peso purchase insured, just like you would with any other vehicle. Get the most comprehensive Motor Car Insurance from the best insurers in the nation!
