Honda Hybrid
What Is A Hybrid Car?
A hybrid car is a car that uses two power sources to run: an electric battery and a petrol engine. The battery and engine can work together or on their own, delivering smooth power and exhilarating performance.
Honda hybrid cars use a self-charging system. This means that the battery is charged while the car is being driven, either by the petrol engine or through regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the energy that is created when the car slows down to recharge the battery.
Honda Hybrid Technology Explained
All Honda hybrids use Honda's e:HEV full hybrid powertrain, which consists of high-tech electric motors, a high-capacity battery, and a fuel-efficient petrol engine.
Honda's e:HEV technology means that Honda hybrids can run on electric power alone for short distances, delivering a smooth and exciting driving experience.
Honda e:HEV hybrids are self-charging, so you don't need to plug them in to charge. This means that you can simply drive them as you would any other car, and the battery will be charged as you go.
Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
Yes, hybrid cars offer several advantages over petrol and diesel cars, including:
Dual advantages of electric and petrol power
Hybrid cars combine the benefits of both electric and petrol cars. They can run on electric power for short distances, which is quiet and emission-free. At higher speeds and on longer journeys, they use the petrol engine to provide more power and range. This means that you can quickly refuel a hybrid car at a petrol station, without having to worry about waiting for it to charge.
Improved fuel economy
Hybrid cars use less fuel than petrol and diesel cars because they can run on electric power for some of the time. This is especially beneficial for shorter, slower journeys, where hybrid cars will predominantly use electric power.
Lower emissions
Since a hybrid is partially powered by electricity, it will produce less emissions than a full-petrol vehicle.
Less reliance on charging points
Unless you choose a plug-in hybrid car, you don't need to worry about finding a charging point. Hybrid cars can charge their batteries while they are being driven.
Tax benefits
Hybrid cars pay less road tax than petrol and diesel cars in the UK.
Less devaluation
Hybrid cars hold their value better than petrol and diesel cars. The use of electric power at slower speeds means there’s less wear and tear on the engine.
Affordable to maintain
Hybrid cars have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel cars, so they require less maintenance. The brakes don't have to work as hard because the regenerative braking system helps to slow the car down.
The Different Types Of Hybrid Cars
Mild hybrids (MHEV)
Mild hybrids have a small electric motor that helps the petrol engine to operate more efficiently. The electric motor cannot power the car on its own, but it can provide a boost of power when accelerating or hill climbing. Mild hybrids also use regenerative braking to charge the battery.
Full hybrids (FHEV)
Full hybrids can run on electric power alone for short distances, typically up to 2 miles. This is because they have a larger battery than mild hybrids. Full hybrids also use regenerative braking to charge the battery.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrids can be plugged in to charge their batteries, in addition to self-charging through regenerative braking. This means that plug-in hybrids have a longer all-electric range than full hybrids, typically up to 30 miles. However, plug-in hybrids are also more expensive to buy than full hybrids
Should I Buy A Hybrid Car?
If you're not ready to switch to a fully electric car, a hybrid car is a great option. It offers many of the same benefits, without requiring you to change your driving habits. Take a look at some of the Hybrid Cars we offer here at Brown Brothers Honda.
FAQs
If you have any further questions about Hybrid Cars, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Full and mild hybrid models are self-charging. Their batteries are charged using energy created by the combustion engine.
There is no need to plug them in, so you’ll never have to worry about finding or installing a charging station.
A hybrid car is more fuel efficient and cost effective than a petrol vehicle. A hybrid car is also a green alternative to the traditional petrol engine.
Due to the combination of a petrol engine and battery power, there's less wear and tear on a hybrid car's engine. Regenerative braking also reduces the wear on brakes, which lowers the need for maintenance, meaning your hybrid car may last longer than a petrol or diesel equivalent.
Yes. Most plug-in vehicle owners have a home charging unit, eliminating the requirement for public charging for most trips.
The time it takes to charge a plug-in hybrid depends on the size of the battery. Generally, there are four types of charging available:
- Slow (up to 3kW)
- Fast (7-22kW)
- Rapid (25-99kW)
- Ultra-rapid (100-350kW)
Yes, you can charge a hybrid car in the rain, hybrid cars are designed to withstand rain and water intrusion.
An electric vehicle (EV) is powered solely by electricity. It has no combustion engine.
EVs require a mains electricity supply.
As hybrids use two energy sources, there’s no anxiety when trying to reach a charging point before the car runs out juice.
Hybrid Performance
Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive is a hybrid system that combines a petrol engine, two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. It automatically selects and shifts between three driving modes to ensure optimum performance and efficiency are always maintained.
Engine Drive is when the petrol engine is powering the car.
Hybrid Drive means the petrol engine and electric motor are sharing the work.
Electric Drive is when the car is running 100% on silent electric power.
Regenerative braking converts wasted energy from braking into electricity and stores it in the battery. The electric motor is reversed so that instead of using electricity to turn the wheels, the rotating wheels turn the motor to create electricity.
Hybrid Benefits
Much like a regular car, but with enhanced responsiveness, smoothness, and efficiency. It glides between modes with Honda Hybrid Performance.
Efficiency and economy. Driving a hybrid means consuming less fuel than a conventional car.
Powering an i-MMD Hybrid
If your hybrid car battery dies, it'll need to be replaced or the car won't work properly. If you notice the car losing its efficiency or struggling to hold a charge, contact Brown Brothers as soon as possible to arrange a battery change.
The daily act of driving, charges the battery with the flow of energy regulated automatically.
The engine provides power through the generator motor to charge the battery. The battery charge level is constantly monitored, and recharging begins automatically.
Honda have two decades' experience of hybrid powertrains and guarantee the i-MMD components for 5 years or over 100,000km – whichever comes first.
Generally, batteries need to be used regularly to retain their charge, so hybrid cars shouldn’t be left to sit for too long. If you don’t drive your car for longer than four or five months, the battery might start to deplete or lose its efficiency.
A plug-in hybrid car’s battery range is roughly 30km to 60km when fully charged.
