If you are interested in the world of hybrid cars and you don't fully understand all the options available, you have come to the right place. Today, the range of hybrid vehicles seems almost endless, and with classes of hybrids such as "mild hybrid", "full hybrid", or "micro hybrid"It's easy to get lost. Let's break down all of these concepts so you can make an informed decision when choosing the car that's right for you.
Hybrid vehicles are nothing new; in fact, they have been around for over 20 years. However, technology has revolutionised the sector in the last decade, offering new and better ways to optimise fuel consumption and reduce CO emissions.2. But What are the differences between classes? Which one should I buy based on my use case?
Hybrid classes
Depending on the hybridization system that the car uses, we can talk about various types of hybrid cars. These categories are based on how combustion and electric engines interact, and the electric or combustion capacity of each. Also, do not confuse hybrid classes with the types of hybrids, which we will see here.
As for classes, there can be three:
Microhybrids
It is the llama microhybrids, or mild hybrids, on the other hand, offer a milder hybridisation and are focused on improving the efficiency of the combustion engine. In these cases, the power of the electric motor is minimal, they are practically like a conventional combustion car, with a small electrical assistance (<6 kW).
Use a motor-generator system which acts mainly in start-up phases. The battery is recharged by taking advantage of regenerative braking or by generating electricity with the combustion engine itself to store it and use it at key moments. This provides a small improvement in efficiency in situations such as when the car is constantly starting and stopping…
Mild Hybrid
The Mild hybrid, also known as mild hybrids, are the simplest models within the hybrid ecosystem. These vehicles use voltages between 12 and 48 volts to support the combustion engine. This system does not allow the car to run solely on electric power, but it does offer some advantages.
In this case, we would have something similar to the micro hybrid, but with a somewhat more powerful electrical part (6-20 kW). In this case, it is not only used like the micro hybrid, at startup, but in addition to that, The electric motor/generator can help the combustion engine turn momentarily, as in accelerators.
Combined hybrid or Full Hybrid
This last type of hybrid combines the best of both series and parallel hybrids. A car combined hybrid (o Full hybrid) can operate with its combustion engine, its electric motor or both at the same time, and it also automatically manages which of the two to use at any given time. This system is the most energy-efficient, as it optimizes the use of both energy sources.
An example of this technology can be found in the toyota hybrids, in which intelligent energy management allows the electric motor to be used when it is most efficient (starts, city, traffic jams) and the combustion engine for long journeys or sustained speeds. All these changes are made automatically, offering a fluid and smooth driving experience. without having to plug in the car to recharge the battery.
How to differentiate hybrid classes?
In addition to the way each type of hybrid combines the combustion engine and the electric motor, there is another way to differentiate these vehicles. Depending on the battery capacity and the power provided by the electric motor, hybrid cars are divided into three categories:
- Microhybrids: As we have already mentioned, the electric motors in these cars are very small, generally with power less than 6 kW. Their main function is to help in small moments, such as starting the car or using electrical systems inside the vehicle.
- Light hybrids or mild hybrid: Halfway between a full hybrid and a traditional combustion engine, these cars usually have electric motors with power outputs between 6 and 20 kW. This extends their usefulness, as the electric motor can assist for longer periods of time, for example during acceleration or when the car is stopped at a traffic light.
- Complete hybrids or full hybrid: Cars that fall into this category have electric motors capable of delivering more than 40 kW of power. This allows them to run in electric mode for longer journeys, especially in the city and at low speeds.
The higher the electrical power, the greater the fuel savings, but also the cost of the car and its maintenance requirements.
Where is each class best?
The efficiency of hybrid cars varies depending on the type of journey. In the city, especially on short journeys with lots of starting and stopping, hybrid vehicles shine for their ability to save fuel and reduce emissions, since the electric motor is used more and the combustion engine remains in the background.
On the other hand, on the highway or on long journeys, although hybrids are still a good option, efficiency is slightly reduced, since the combustion engine has to work harder. However, if you regularly drive on motorways, a hybrid is a good choice. mild hybrid It can be a great choice, as it does not have such a large battery, which avoids increased weight and, therefore, extra consumption on long journeys.
If you mainly drive in the city and want to reduce consumption as much as possible, a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid would be the best option. In addition, many of these models come equipped with driving assistance systems that improve the experience, such as automatic transmission or coasting functions.
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