Encouraged by advantageous taxation, the hybrid purchase represents 2.3% of the automobile market, but remains complex. Between the micro-hybrid, the full hybrid or the rechargeable, which car to buy ? Operation, different models, car insurance, we tell you everything.
How does a hybrid vehicle work?
A hybrid vehicle combines two engines: one thermal (often gasoline) and the other electric.
As a general rule, the first 50 km/h are provided by the electric motor . After this speed, the internal combustion engine gradually takes over. In the event of strong acceleration, it is the only one to propel the car.
The deceleration, braking or descent times make it possible to transform the kinetic energy into electricity and therefore to recharge the electric motor.
The micro-hybrid car
Also called “mild hybrid”, the micro-hybrid is a conventional car equipped with the “Stop-Start” device . In the event of a stop, the engine is automatically cut off. It is immediately restarted as soon as the driver starts.
The complete hybrid
Unlike mild hybrids, complete ones have two motors. The double motorization works as indicated above, the decelerations allowing the recharging of the electric battery.
This category of hybrid vehicle is very suitable for city dwellers, who in town hardly spend a drop of gasoline for their journeys.
It is not recommended for drivers making long journeys, as the economy they will achieve will be almost the same as with a conventional diesel engine.
Finally, drivers on mountain roads remain the most disadvantaged by this technology. The great descents bring too much energy to the electric motor, it very quickly reaches its maximum storage level, which makes driving less pleasant.
The plug-in hybrid
The main advantage of the plug-in hybrid is its autonomy: from 2 to 5 kilometers for a full hybrid, this increases to 25 for certain models.
To take advantage of it, you have to load the car when stationary. Count in general between 4 and 8 hours to fully charge the battery (on a conventional outlet) against half with a high voltage charger.
Also, if you are tempted by this type of model, you must look at the autonomy time in electric mode but also the consumption in thermal mode in order to be sure of saving fuel .
Rechargeables cost much more than their full cousins, and often only exist as automatics, which also drives up the selling price.
