Enlightenment
We keep getting asked: why should you drive electrically at all? It’s actually quite simple: because electric motors are significantly more efficient (90 per cent) than combustion engines (35 to 45 per cent). This means that almost all of the drive energy actually reaches the wheels. And above all, because completely CO2-neutral mobility is actually possible with the electric drive, even if it is not yet a reality today. Namely, when vehicle and battery production will be climate-neutral and when the electricity for the electric vehicles comes from 100 per cent renewable sources. We are not there yet, but it is a good scenario for the future.
However, it is also understandable that not everyone is ready to take this step yet. There may be good reasons for this, in addition to the currently still higher purchase costs and the concern about where and how to charge the electric car. Especially for tenants and flat owners, it is often difficult or still impossible to charge at home. A lot still needs to happen, but it is primarily up to the politicians to take action; the car manufacturers have already done their part in terms of technology.
However, this does not mean that drivers have to do without the advantages of clean energy from electricity. It is also possible to approach electric mobility in smaller steps. The ancient Greeks were already familiar with the term ‘hybrid’, which for them meant something combined or mixed. Today, the term is used to describe a whole that is composed of different types or processes, and not only in the case of vehicles. In modern automobiles, so-called hybrid vehicles use both the technology of the classic combustion engine and electricity stored in a battery. There are three types of hybrid drive:
Mild hybrid:
In a mild hybrid, the combustion engine is supported by an electric motor in inefficient driving situations – such as when pulling away – to reduce consumption. When the car is in neutral, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover the energy released and store it in the battery. The electric motor and battery are relatively small and easy to install in the vehicle, but it is not usually possible to drive purely electrically. And if it is possible, it is only for a few hundred metres. The mild hybrid system operates at 48 volts and therefore requires an additional electrical system that is largely decoupled from the 12-volt electrical system. Depending on the structure, layout and connection between the electric motor and the combustion engine, a distinction is made between various mild hybrid architectures. The most common is the use of a starter generator, which is connected to the crankshaft via a belt and is driven in this way. It performs the function of a start-stop system, supports the combustion engine and recovers braking energy. The system also includes a DC/DC converter that converts the 48-volt voltage into 12 volts for the operation of the electrical on-board systems, an inverter to convert direct current into alternating current, a battery and the power electronics to control the system. This dynamic technology reduces emissions by up to 20% compared to an equivalent combustion engine.
The full hybrid:
full hybrid technology enables the conversion of the driving energy generated while driving and thus the charging of a significantly more powerful battery (200 or 400 V instead of 48 V) compared to the mild hybrid. The vehicle can be driven using only the battery and the electric motor, so it has two energy sources that can power the vehicle, both electrical and thermal energy. Even at high speeds, it is possible to drive purely electrically – and for several kilometres.
The plug-in hybrid:
The plug-in hybrid, also known as a PHEV, is a hybrid drive with an additional external charging option for the battery. The designs known from hybrid drives are also possible here. Compared to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids are usually equipped with more powerful batteries and electric motors and offer a significantly greater range in purely electric operation.
It may sound complicated, but it’s not; technically, all these solutions are fully developed and reliable. However, it becomes more difficult when you have to decide on the best solution for you personally.
So, who should buy a mild hybrid?
Drivers who mainly drive short distances: mild hybrids are ideal for city driving because they are more efficient when starting up and in stop-and-go traffic.
Drivers who want better fuel economy without sacrificing the benefits of an internal combustion engine.
Pros:
Better fuel economy compared to conventional combustion engines
Lower emissions
No need to plug the vehicle into an outlet
Often less expensive to purchase than full or plug-in hybrids
Cons:
- The electric motor cannot power the vehicle on its own
- Lower savings compared to full or plug-in hybrids
- Less electric range and assistance
And who should buy a full hybrid?
- Drivers who want a balanced mix of electric and fossil energy.
- Drivers who often drive in the city but also cover longer distances.
Pro:
Flexibility to drive both electrically and with petrol/diesel
Better fuel efficiency than mild hybrids
Option to drive purely electrically, which is an advantage in urban areas
Contra:
Higher purchase costs compared to mild hybrids
The electric range is limited, which means that the combustion engine is often still needed
And who should consider a plug-in hybrid?
Women drivers who regularly cover short distances and have the opportunity to charge the vehicle.
Drivers who want to take advantage of the benefits of an electric vehicle but also need the flexibility of a combustion engine.
Pro:
- Longer electric range, often between 50 and 100 kilometres
- Ability to do most daily trips on electric alone
- Lower cost of ownership if charged regularly
Cons:
– Higher purchase price compared to mild and full hybrids
– Reliance on charging infrastructure to take full advantage
– Heavier and more complex due to larger batteries and lots of technology
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