What is a Self-Charging Hybrid?

Hybrid cars are popular because they lower your carbon footprint. But do you know the difference between the types of hybrids? If you are considering moving to electric, then it’s good to know the variations of hybrids that are available. In this blog, you can find all the necessary information about Self Charging Hybrids. 

What Does Self-Charging Hybrid Mean? 

‘Self-Charging’ means there is no need to plug the vehicle into a recharging point to refill its batteries. It self-charges by using regenerative braking while driving. Whereas ‘Hybrid’ means the vehicle combines an electric and a traditional Petrol engine.  

What is the Difference Between Self-Charging and Plug-in Hybrids? 

Self-charging hybrids are cars that need no external devices to charge their batteries, as they utilise their brakes to recharge them. This is called regenerative braking, a process where braking generates energy which is then converted and charges the vehicle’s battery. 

Differently, plug-in hybrids are vehicles that need to be plugged into an external charger in order to recharge their batteries when needed. (The compatible cable will come with the car.)

 

 

Advantages of Owning a Self-Charging Hybrid Car

No need for a charging point – as a hybrid car self-charges, thus, there is no need to plan /look for electric chargers on your journey or invest in a home wall charger. 

Improved Fuel Economy – with electricity taking over part of your journey, this will positively impact your fuel economy, cutting your fuel costs. 

Lower Emissions – a hybrid car will have the option of running on electricity, which will reduce your emissions due to no tailpipe emissions. 

Disadvantages of owning a self-charging hybrid car.

Expensive – they aren't as expensive as plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars; however, their price tag is more than a non-electric car. 

Less efficient on motorways – you can only run on electricity for short, slow-paced journeys such as driving around town. On motorways, the Petrol engine will take over the electric motor to help produce the power. 

Battery space – batteries are big, and they take up space. Most hybrid batteries reduce the boot space, therefore, less storage for shopping and suitcases. 

How do Self-Charging Hybrid Cars Work? 

Self-charging hybrid cars use a combination of an electric powertrain and a Petrol engine. At low speeds and stop-start traffic, the battery will deliver electric power only. As it is self-charging, there’s no need for an external charger or cable. To recharge the battery, it uses regenerative braking, where the energy produced from braking is converted back into the battery. When the battery is running low and can’t provide enough energy, the petrol engine will take over. This will happen when more power is needed, like travelling at higher speeds and extended journeys. 

Click here to learn more about moving to electric or discover the Self Charging Hybrids available at Perrys by clicking here.

Tags: *Self_Charging *Self_Charging_Hybrid *Hybrid *Electric *Electric_Vehicle *Sustainable