A hybrid car is not an unfamiliar definition for drivers at all. In fact, it is becoming more and more common in the automotive industry. However, there are many drawbacks to this type of vehicle.
In this article, we will provide you with a closer look at all the disadvantages of a hybrid automobile. But first, you need to know the definition of this invention.
What Is A Hybrid Car?
To be more specific, a hybrid car is a type of automobile that uses two or more engines, along with a conventional engine and an electric motor. The engine can be run by either petrol or diesel. In order to do that, the gas will boost the engine at higher speeds, while the electric helps power the engine at lower speeds.
And this is a great way for hybrid vehicles to be eco-friendly. For example, hybrid cars like the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius are famous for not only producing less CO2 emissions but also conserving fuel. Car owners can find hybrid cars, both new and used vehicles in Kenya online.
The Reason Why Hybrid Cars Are Unpopular
Even though we are familiar with hybrid vehicles these days, there are just a few people who are actually using them. The main reason for this is because of the lack of knowledge of how hybrid vehicles work.
Not to mention, they’re as good as other gasoline-powered automobiles, yet a lot of people do not get them. To make matters worse, the technology for hybrid cars has existed and developed since the 1900’s. However, the main reason why till nowadays it can reach the drivers is the drop in the price of manufacturing.
The Redemption of Hybrid Cars
On the other hand, things are getting better for hybrid cars: The government has programs using special discounts, as well as credits with the purpose of supporting the use of hybrid automobiles. The understanding of saving the environment is another solution for the unpopularity of hybrid cars. As a result, many countries and cities use the invention of hybrids.
To be more specific, they use hybrid technology in service automobiles as well as public transportation. So now, car owners have a better look at this hybrid technology and there are more options available for them now. Not only electricity, hybrid cars also take natural gas, fossil fuel, or propane as the fuel.
On the surface, we can see various advantages of hybrid cars. However, here are the dark sides of this amazing technology.
Disadvantages Of A Hybrid Car
Every single technology has disadvantages, and they are probably not the drawbacks that we can imagine.
And by that, we are not meaning the issue with mountain driving as well as towing, since they have the same ability as normal vehicles. To be more specific, the disadvantages of hybrid cars actually depend on the type of hybrid fuel that your car uses.
Dangerous from high voltage
One of the most significant drawbacks of hybrid vehicles is the high voltage. While using the electric car, every driver is scared of electricity. If there is any accident, the high voltage inside the batteries can paralyze them, and even kill the owners.
No matter what, there is a high chance of you getting electrocuted. In such cases, the system can also make the rescue task much more difficult for other people to get other passengers out of the car.
Harder to handling
Another disadvantage is the issue of handling. We all know that a hybrid car possesses a lighter electric engine, a gasoline-powered engine as well as a pack of powerful batteries.
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However, this adds weight to the car, which results in fuel inefficiency and manufacturers cut down weight. Not to mention, they eat up extra space in the car. It also has negative effects like battery downsizing and less suspension and body support.
Recycling
Battery Disposal and Recycling is also one of the drawbacks of this vehicle. Usually, the batteries at the end of their useful life cycle can be recycled. This action can harvest usable materials for repurposing. Not to mention, car owners take part in removing waste from the environment. Nevertheless, the main problem with recycling lies in the collection rate of automobile batteries.
If you are a mobile electronics, recycling lithium batteries is also a pain. While lithium is 100% recyclable, the manufacturers think it costs too much to make it profitable. Also, It is only done for ecological purposes.
Less power
This disadvantage is too obvious. Many drivers misunderstood that hybrid automobiles are stronger than normal cars due to the twin-powered engines. However, The gasoline engine, which is the primary source of power, is really small. In fact, it is much smaller than single-engine powered cars while the electric motor produces even lower power.
Without a doubt, the combined power of both results in less than that of a gas-powered engine. Even though the hybrid vehicle is suited for city driving, it is not a perfect match for speed and acceleration.
Problems with hydrogen fuel cell
We all know the sources of hydrogen fuel for hybrid cars are various. For example, we have sources such as wind power, solar, coal, and natural gas. However, unlike clean sources like solar and wind power, sourcing from coal and natural gas undermines the motive for the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Production of hydrogen is also crucially expensive. Not to mention, the fuel cells require to be refueled at a hydrogen station, and the station is really hard to find. At present, these stations are only located in California.
The cost
Of course, one of the biggest disadvantages of having a hybrid car is the cost. Hybrid cars are way more expensive than regular petrol automobiles.
Along with that, car owners must pay $5000 to $10000 in order to change the version, according to UsedCars.co.ke. However, that extra amount can be offset with tax exemptions, as well as lower running costs.
Expensive maintenance cost
The high cost of purchasing means super expensive maintenance. With the development of technology, we meet a new issue. To be more specific, a dual engine and significant improvement in technology make it difficult for mechanics to repair the car.
This leads to a much higher maintenance cost. Hybrid automobile owners also find it difficult to find a mechanic with such expertise.
Expensive replacement
So what happens when you cannot fix parts in your vehicle? Of course, you replace them. Battery replacement of hybrid cars is currently rare. Not to mention, it is usually expensive if you need to change the battery.
