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Balance lower fuel consumption against high cost when buying
| MOTORING GURU | Since the Ugandan made car, Kiira Ev Smack, got a major road test across the country recently; there has been increased discussion around hybrid vehicles. Many people appear determined to grab a hybrid even if it is not the Kiira Ev Smack.
The Kiira Ev Smack is Uganda’s first hybrid. But these engines have been on the market for more than 20 years. The Toyota Prius is often mentioned although many car makers have hybrids. Think Honda Insight, Lexus Es 300h, the BMW 7 series, and the Mercedes Benz C 359e. The main question is whether hybrid vehicles are a good choice.
Choice in the hybrid segment remains limited. When you visit a car bond, you will often one or two and they will be quite pricey.
Hybrids use a traction motor powered by a rechargeable battery bank and an internal combustion engine-based generator. This means it uses both a fuel engine and an electric engine. It is different from a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) which involves electrical charging from an external source. It also means that the battery bank recharges whenever the brakes. This is the power system of the Kiira Ev Smack.
According to the designers the two power sources ensure an unlimited range and increase the efficiency of the powertrain (the system which transfers power from the engine to the wheels), hence enhancing fuel economy. Some hybrid cars save as much as 35% on fuel consumption. In reality, the external electric charge in the PHEVs might be cheaper than the onboard charging.
Hybrid vehicles generally have lower fuel consumption than other vehicles. The combination of petrol and electric power mean plenty of fuel is saved daily. This makes them favourites of eco-conscious drivers. They emit less carbon dioxide and, when they run for less time on gas, they cause less wear and tear of engine parts and brakes.
Generally, however, hybrid cars cost more than conventional internal combustion engine cars. Part of the reason is that hybrids literally have two engines and the high-voltage batteries they require are quite costly.
The high voltage batteries are also quite heavy; meaning that hybrid cars are generally quite heavy. This makes them quite slow to accelerate. Their breaking system is also impacted. They are also not as stable as conventional cars because the added weight gives them a higher center of gravity. The impact is felt most when driving at high constant speeds on highways. The hybrid offers lower highway mileage. Generally speaking also, the gas engine works more efficiently than the hybrid.
But of course hybrids are quieter machines on the road. The electric motor is noiseless and when starting the car or driving slowly, the car moves silently. Also, the electric motor gives additional torque to the gas engine.
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