Introduction
Considering the level of pollution in the contemporary society, different entities are actively supporting the need for individuals to consider using zero-pollutions automobiles. In this light, electronic vehicles are presumably a reasonable short-term solution to issues emanating from mass urban mobility. The hybrid vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor, which is an indication that it uses two different energy sources. Given the idea that it is impossible to plug an electric vehicle in to charge the battery, the battery is charged through regenerative braking as well as the vehicle’s internal combustion engine. According to Araújo, Mahajan, Kerr, and da Silva (2017), in an electric drive, the auxiliary battery in the electric vehicle provides electricity that can be used to start the care before the engagement of the traction battery. On the other hand, the auxiliary battery powers the accessories of the vehicle. The hybrid drive system in an electronic car constitutes an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor. The system is equipped with plug-in technology that could be regarded as a transitory solution to novel technology that recharges the accumulator. Even though the technology is relatively expensive than previous technologies, the hybrid vehicle technology has several benefits because it is designed in a manner that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions, reduces the consumption of energy, and economizes energy use.
In the light of the identified provisions, one of the fundamental reasons for purchasing a hybrid electronic vehicle relates to the idea that the attitudes of individuals towards hybrid vehicles changes in relation to the energy crisis as well as the environmental issues related to conventional vehicles. In this light, individuals in the contemporary society focus on executing measures that can ensure the conservation of energy, including instituting measures necessary for protecting the environment. Hybrid electric vehicles can combine the benefits of gasoline engines as well as electronic vehicles, which can be configured to realize specific objectives that are inclusive of improving fuel economy, increasing the vehicles power, or realizing additional auxiliary power for the vehicle’s electronic devices as well as power tools (Cloete, 2017). The vehicles use less gasoline, which means that they give off less emission that contributes to greenhouse gasses. In this light, hybrid cars use two energy sources for powering the vehicle, which means that they are reducing the effects of smog. The vehicle combines a conventional drive system that stocks recoverable energy that can ensure the realization of better yield, including a lower fuel consumption and emission level compared to the conventional vehicles.
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Technical principle and cons of hybrid vehicle technology over previous technology
The instability in the prices of fossil fuel prices, including the impact of resources and the impact of the fuels on global warming have influenced the emergence of hybrid electric vehicle technologies. According to Schalk Cloete (2017), future cars are hybrid vehicles. The reason for considering future cars as hybrid emanates from the provision that they have a compared advantage in terms of cost reductions when compared to the conventional vehicles. In this light, the electronic motors and batteries are likely to assist the internal combustion engine through hybridization (Cloete, 2017). One of the facts attached to the consideration of the electronic hybrid vehicles as the future cars emanates from the idea that their internal combustion engines function best under constant load. In this light, if the engine works constantly near its optimal operating point, the longevity as well as efficiency of the engine increases, including the reduction of its complexity and costs (Cloete, 2017). The cost reduction also characterizes the car’s emissions.
Compared to the internal combustion engines, as well as any other heat engines, the electric drive has variable loads. The efficiency in electric drive is high, which is an indication that it is possible to achieve maximum torque at low power outputs. Conversely, the electric drive makes allows the recovery of mechanical energy under braking. In this light, the hybrid drivetrains focus on combining the internal combustion engine as well as the electric motor primarily to achieve the aforementioned characteristics (Cloete, 2017). Regardless of the fact that the hybrid drive has been in existence for a considerable number of years, technological developments that have been witnessed indicate that the technology can be improved. Different advantages can be realized from the developments. In this regard, the further development of the technological provisions can assist in ensuring cost reductions, improved engine efficiency, as well as the provision of improved driving experiences.
For hybrid electric vehicles, the main energy source is the battery. This component in the vehicle governs the success of the hybrid electric vehicle. Recent developments have seen the characterization of massive works needed for the development of the battery. The batteries assist in meeting the performance as well as emission objectives. In this light, a team that is responsible for ensuring that the batteries fulfill the emission and performance objectives have to focus on the integration of the mechanical and electronic architecture of the vehicle ( Araújo, Mahajan, Kerr, & da Silva, 2017). On the other hand, the team responsible for integrating the controls should be able to develop fundamental controls that can assist in meeting the objectives of efficieny. However, it is essential to consider that the understanding of the potential of a hybrid drive requires the maintenance of a constant speed, including the acceleration power. These provisions account for the idea that the charging method of an electronic vehicle is controversial based on the uncertainty of the power that the vehicles need, including the locating as well as the charging time of the batteries. In this regard, the charging time of the batteries can be recorded to be shorter, given the recent technological developments.
It is essential to take note of the idea that recent developments on electromagnetic systems for hybrid vehicles have succeeded in overcoming a considerable number of shortcomings of the engines developed previously. Even though hybrid electronic vehicles have a considerable number of advantages compared to the conventional vehicles, they have limitations. The fundamental concerns relate to the idea that they the hybrid electronic vehicles are costly in terms of production because of the introduction of energy storage systems, power converters, the introduction of motors, and warranty-related provisions that emanate from the lack of electricians in the car shops. Conversely, the electromagnetic interference brought about by the high frequency as well as high current switching of the systems creates huge costs ( Sulaiman et al., 2018) . Regardless of the created costs, it is possible to consider the hybrid vehicle as a development that has assisted in reducing fuel consumption by a significant percentage.
Less expensive hybrid systems are likely to benefit significantly from the developments in computer simulations, the computer-aided designs, as well as on-board computer controls. Indeed, the revolution of computer technology can be considered as fundamental to the lo-cost systems that can improve the driving experience of individuals. In this light, the sophisticated as well as optimized hybrid systems provide individuals with the opportunity for cost-effectiveness. The hybrid electronic vehicles can be considered as an introduction to the early stages of revolution in design as well as technological developments that are affecting every aspect of the manufacturing of automobiles. The breakthrough is computer-based. In this regard, computer simulations, onboard computer controls, as well as designs aided by the computer are revolutionizing all the aspects of a vehicle design.
Advantages of hybrid vehicles
The hybrid technology improves the efficiency of vehicles, thereby making the substitution of fossil fuels b electricity possible. For this reason, hybrid technology reduces emissions, which is a provision that reduces the effects of global warming. Sulaiman et al (2018) indicate that almost all transport systems use fuel that emits greenhouse gases, which can be prevented by using the fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles. The vehicles are suitable for reducing the emissions since they primarily depend on hydrogen ( Sulaiman et al., 2018). The researchers further indicate that a considerable number of studies have proven that fuel cells that contain energy storage elements are suitable for providing sufficient energy for the fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles ( Sulaiman et al., 2018). In addition to ensuring the provision of sufficient energy, the hybrid electronic vehicles optimize hydrogen consumption as well as a prolonged battery lifetime. The characteristics are much more desirable than the components of the vehicles using combustion engines. For this reason, the improvement of performance efficiency for the hbrid electronic vehicles can be achieved through the cutting-edge optimization of algorithms for the vehicles.
The most energy efficient automobile available in the current market is the electronic vehicle. In spite of the provisions, it is essential to point out that the commercialization of full electric vehicles are still hampered by high purchase prices, long recharging times, as well as short driving ranges. The identified provisions have influenced the development of hybrid electronic vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with different technologies used in full electric vehicles. The hybrids have improved efficiencies through the employment of different techniques. One of the most beneficial techniques is the regenerative breaking. In this light, during breaking, the vehicle dissipates kinetic energy as heat in the brake discs. The fundamental benefits of using the hybrid electric vehicle compared to combustion engines in this case is that at low speeds and revolutions, the vehicles have the capacity of exerting maximum torque ( Sulaiman et al., 2018). Contrastingly, combustion engines have to use higher revolutions for them to exert their maximum torque. For this reason, the electro motors are considered as more efficient at low speeds.
The other beneficial component of hybrid electric vehicles rests on the idea that they have substantially low carbon dioxide emissions ( Sulaiman et al., 2018). The benefits can primarily be realized in urban centers since a considerable number of people use automobiles for their transport needs in such regions. This fact makes the hybridization of vehicles as an essential tool that can be used for reducing pollution. Conversely, the development and increased use of hybrid electric vehicles can enable individuals to save on fuel costs (Anderson & Anderson, 2010). This beneficial element is indicative of the idea that hybrid electric vehicles are supported by several credits as well as incentives that make them affordable. Compared to the vehicles using combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles attract lower tax bills, including the exemption from congestion charges that emanate from the insignificant amount of money spent on fuel ( Sulaiman et al., 2018). Additionally, the reduced dependence on fossil fuels can assist in the reduction of gasoline prices in the domestic market.
With the continued increase in gasoline prices, as can be witnessed in the contemporary society, a considerable number of people are moving towards the use of hybrid electric cars. For this reason, these types of vehicles have begun attracting a higher than average resale value. For this reason, in case an individual might not be satisfied with their vehicles, the resale values of the hybrid electric vehicles make it possible for them to sell at premium prices since a significant number of people are constantly looking to purchase such vehicles. The reason for the attractive resale value emanates from the idea that the vehicles provide users with the ability to control their budget as the gas prices continuously increase. The reduced dependence of fossil fuels also ensure that the user reduces his or her carbon imprint on the environment.
According to Anderson and Anderson (2010), several issues have influenced the increased use of hybrid electric vehicles based on the different concerns of the public. The issues include the Iraq war, fuel shortages, as well as issues arising from global warming. The public consider these issues when liking for electrics as well as hybrids as a way through which they could reduce their dependence on oil imports from foreign nations (Anderson & Anderson, 2010). Individuals in different nations are increasingly consuming fuel due to their transportation needs. Regardless of the increasing demand, the identified events affect oil supplies, which is one of the fundamental reasons calling for the need to turn to alternative fuel for different types of vehicles. According to Anderson and Anderson (2010), the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Lexus, and Ford Escape, are some of the cars that have caught the attention of individuals interested in hybrid vehicles. The customer base for such automobiles has been increasing by the day since they reduce the overdependence on fossil fuels.
Negative influences
Even though hybrid electric vehicles have significant benefits in terms of reducing fuel costs and reducing greenhouse gases, the hybrid vehicle technology is expensive. Conversely, the maintenance of the vehicles is more expensive compared to the maintenance of the vehicles that use combustion engines. When an individual is looking at the prices of vehicles, it is possible for them to observe that the price of hybrid cars is slightly higher. The higher cost emanates from the use of advanced technology. In addition to the use of advanced technology, which makes the hybrid vehicles are made expensive by the cost of their batteries, which is comparatively higher. Regardless of this provision, the extra cost can be offset through the lower running cost of the cars as well as tax exemptions (Araújo, Mahajan, Kerr, & da Silva, 2017). Their cost is $1000 to $7000 higher than the cost of the other types of vehicles.
The other disadvantage attached to hybrid electric vehicles includes the fact that they provide drivers with a different driving experience. In this regard, some drivers do not prefer using this type of vehicle because of the difference they are likely to feel when driving the vehicles. For example, when the car is stationary or when being driven at low speeds, it is possible to determine that the battery engine is virtually silent. This experience can be disconcerting for some of the drivers, some of whom might think that the car is sounding as if it has been cut out. The noise, or lack thereof, has attracted criticisms from different entities, particularly the road safety pressure groups. The entities are likely to believe that because of the lack of noise, the vehicles are inadvertently prone to car accidents, particularly the roads that involve pedestrians or other vehicles.
The other negative influence that can be cited in relation to hybrid electric vehicles relates to their power. Compared to other cars, hybrid vehicles are presumably less powerful ( Sulaiman et al., 2018) . The fundamental reason for considering the hybrid electric vehicles are less powerful emanates from the idea that since the petrol part of the engine is relatively smaller than the engine used in single engine petrol cars, the electric motor is diminutively lower. According to Sulaiman et al., (2018), even though an electric vehicle allows for an increased efficiency in terms of design, the power assist feature of the vehicle assists in the reduction of the demands on the gasoline engine. The power assist feature can be downsized as well as operated efficiently. However, the gasoline engine produces less power, which is one of the negative provisions of the hybrid electric vehicle.
A considerable number of hybrid vehicles are developed for economy and not speed. In this light, the total output and acceleration of the cars, when compared to vehicles that primarily use oil, is lower. For weight conservation, it is possible to determine that hybrid vehicles are not well-equipped with sport-tuned suspensions, including other provisions that enhance the performance of the vehicle. Non-hybrid vehicles have such enhancements, which is an indication that their performance supersedes the performance of the hybrid electric vehicles. The other element that affects the performance of the hybrid electric vehicles, in terms of power and acceleration, is a derivative of the idea that the location of the battery pack in the vehicles often results to an unsuitable weight distribution ( Sulaiman et al., 2018) . The unequal weight distribution affects the handling of the vehicle, which is the other element that can affect an individual’s driving experience. On the other hand, the driving experience can inhibit individuals from using the vehicle for long-distance travel since it is comparatively unstable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it would be vital to restate that hybrid vehicle technology has several benefits because it is designed to minimize carbon dioxide emissions, reduce the consumption of energy, and economize energy use. The use of hybrid vehicles has infiltrated several classes of vehicles based on the knowledge that the vehicles provide individuals with superior fuel efficiency. Several provisions could be identified to indicate that hybrid electric vehicles are vital for overcoming some of the issues that individuals encounter. The analysis reveals that the beneficial elements outweigh the negative provisions, which is a consideration that could be indicative of the idea that the hybrid vehicles can be considered as the future in terms of technological advancements.
As provided in the analysis, the benefits of using hybrid electric vehicles are inclusive of the fact that the vehicles emit cleaner energy compared to the other non-hybrid vehicles. Since the vehicles run on a combination of gas and electricity, they are likely to emit less pollution. The regenerative braking of the vehicles is also another benefit attached to using hybrid electric vehicles. In this regard, the vehicles produce much of their energy during braking, which is captured and fed to the vehicle’s battery. In addition to the identified technological provisions, hybrid electric vehicles have higher resale value and reduce fuel dependence due to their efficiency. Regardless of the identified benefits, the disadvantages outlined include the fact that the hybrid vehicles have a less superior performance compared to the non-hybrid gas vehicles. Additionally, the vehicles are costly in terms of the initial purchase prices as well as the maintenance costs. Based on the analysis of the benefits and demerits of hybrid electric vehicles, it is apparent to indicate that the hybrid vehicle technology is more likely to take over previous technologies since the attached benefits outweigh the costs to be incurred by using this type of vehicle.
References
Anderson C. D. & Anderson, J. (2010). Electric and hybrid cars: A history . North Carolina: McFarland & Company.
Araújo, K., Mahajan, D., Kerr, R., & Silva, M. (2017). Global Biofuels at the Crossroads: An Overview of Technical, Policy, and Investment Complexities in the Sustainability of Biofuel Development. Agriculture , 7 (4), 32. doi: 10.3390/agriculture7040032
Cloete, S. (2018). The car of the future will be a hybrid. EnergyPost.eu . Retrieved from https://energypost.eu/15743-2/
Sulaiman, N., Hannan, M. A., Mohamed, A., Ker, P. J., Majlan, E. H., & Wan Daud, W. R. (2018). Optimization of energy management system for fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles: Issues and recommendations. Applied Energy , 228, 2061–2079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.087
