Hybrid cars are becoming more popular, some say the car of the future. A hybrid car is one that uses two or more engines i.e. an electric motor and a conventional engine (either petrol or diesel). The electric engine powers the car at lower speeds and gas engine powers it at higher speeds. A hybrid car not only conserves fuel but also produce less CO2 emissions. Though hybrid vehicles are now growing in popularity but still few people are actually using it mainly due to lack of knowledge of how hybrid vehicles work and whether they’re as good as conventional vehicles.
While the technology has existed since the early 1900s, it has only been in the past decade or so that the price of manufacturing them has brought them into the range of possibility for the average driver. There are also government incentive programs that use credits and special discounts to support the purchase and use of hybrid vehicles. Many cities are switching their public transportation and service vehicles over to hybrid cars and buses as a part of the program to become more environmentally friendly.
Why choose a Hybrid Car?
- Environmentally Friendly: One of the biggest advantage of hybrid car over gasoline powered car is that it runs cleaner and has better gas mileage which makes it environmentally friendly. A hybrid vehicle runs on twin powered engine (gasoline engine and electric motor) that cuts fuel consumption and conserves energy.
- Financial Benefits: Hybrid cars are supported by many credits and incentives that help to make them affordable. Lower annual tax bills and exemption from congestion charges comes in the form of less amount of money spent on the fuel.
- Less Dependance on Fossil Fuels: A Hybrid car is much cleaner and requires less fuel to run which means less emissions and less dependence on fossil fuels. This in turn also helps to reduce the price of gasoline in domestic market.
- Regenerative Braking System: Each time you apply brake while driving a hybrid vehicle helps you to recharge your battery a little. An internal mechanism kicks in that captures the energy released and uses it to charge the battery which in turn eliminates the amount of time and need for stopping to recharge the battery periodically.
- Built From Light Materials: Hybrid vehicles are made up of lighter materials which means less energy is required to run. The engine is also smaller and lighter which also saves much energy.
- Higher Resale Value: With continuous increase in price of gasoline, more and more people are turning towards hybrid cars. The result is that these green vehicles have started commanding higher than average resale values. So, in case you are not satisfied with your vehicle, you can always sell it at a premium price to buyers looking for it.
- It also reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and lowers your carbon imprint on the environment.
One of the leading car dealers to be ahead of the game in terms are hybrid are concerned are BMW with their Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) range - the future of motoring starts now.
Reduced emissions and lower petrol consumption, but every inch a driver’s car. A combination of a compact, powerful petrol engine and a rechargeable battery powering an electric motor make for a thrilling drive, with exceptional efficiency. Real world usability ensures mains socket compatibility,with the range of a conventional car.
BMW eDrive, the electrical drive component of BMW's PHEV vehicles, not only delivers maximum driving pleasure, but does so almost silently and without emissions. Three parts form the core of eDrive: the electric motor, the lithium-ion high performance battery and intelligent energy management.
BMW eDrive is also the key component in BMW i models, the future of sustainable motoring.
BMW i is a comprehensive and groundbreaking concept for sustainable mobility. It represents visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new definition of premium, defined by sustainability . It thrills with its innovative vehicles: the all-electric BMW i3, a locally emission-free vehicle for city driving that is sustainably designed throughout; and the BMW i8, the future of the sports vehicle.
Electric and electrifying: every detail, every characteristic, everything in the BMW i3 with eDrive is designed to compliment vibrant city life. Powered by its fully emission-free electric motor, the BMW i3 guarantees urban mobility where a city car needs it most: in city centres with road restrictions already in place. From an ecological perspective, the BMW i3 impresses with its breath-taking acceleration, from low speeds or even from a standstill – and with a high-voltage battery (lithium-ion high-voltage battery) with a range of up to 100 miles, it covers all destinations. From driving around the city centre, to the centre from the outskirts, both are easily within the motor’s range.
With its intelligent, lightweight construction using carbon, and aerodynamic design the BMW i8 is an efficient, progressive sports car. The use of recyclable materials makes the interior a model of sustainability. The result is a car that delivers pure driving pleasure, with the smallest possible carbon footprint.Below the bonnet, the BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid engine brings together the advantages of electromobility and innovative engine technology for extraordinarily dynamic driving and extremely low consumption and CO2 emissions.
I personally love he idea of a hybrid vehicle, and hope that one day they will be the go-to choice for road users, they have many advantages too them and I am excited to find out how this new environmentally friendly idea will progress and what the future holds for hybrids!
Until next time,
Gabi x
