Hybrids – An Unexpected Solution?
Given the inherent difficulties associated with electric vehicles, and the tough compromise they present regarding their environmental impacts, Hybrid electric vehicles provide a unique middle ground, and also provide unique power saving benefits through unique designs.
A standard hybrid electric vehicle involves a combustion engine which is supplemented by a small battery, which supports the combustion engine in delivering power when required. A ‘plug-in’ hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) includes a larger battery which can be charged up in the same manner as a standard battery electric vehicle.
Beyond containing a longer range and quicker refuelling options than a standard BEV, hybrids also contain inherent environmental advantages. Materials required to build one electric vehicle batteries can construct 17 batteries within HEVs, significantly reducing the mineral cost of batteries, which as outlined in the prior section have dire environmental consequences [1]. As well as this, estimates exist that place the carbon load on electric vehicles as 14 times higher than hybrids, correlating the battery size and emissions released [2].
Source, TrinityPower [3]
Source, AlphaCoders [4]
Source, Takara-fune [6]
Targeting Power Efficiency
Another significant advantage provided by hybrid vehicles is the use of both regenerative breaking and kinetic energy recovery (KER). With regenerative breaking, when the car brakes, some of the car’s kinetic energy is transferred in to electrical energy in the car’s battery as opposed to otherwise being dissipated in the brakes. This energy can then be employed to power the engine, meaning the initial energy used to power the car is conserved and re-used. This method of recovering useful energy inherently decreases the carbon footprint of the vehicle, given less power is required from the combustion engine.
These systems present an impressive method of reducing emissions through improved engine efficiency and reduced power usage. However, their tangible impact remains small due to difficulties associated with capturing the energy efficiently; estimates say it can improve fuel efficiency by 10-20%, which while significant does not offset the use of carbon [5].
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Reference List And Further Reading
[1] – Heaps R. Hybrid vs. Electric: Why Hybrids Make More Sense Right Now – Kelley Blue Book [Internet]. Kelley Blue Book. 2023 [cited 2025 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/hybrid-vs-electric-why-hybrids-make-more-sense/?msockid=0e3da52400846f9005e8b6eb01646eab
[2] – Hybrids are 14 times better than battery electric vehicles at reducing real-world carbon dioxide emissions [Internet]. Emissions Analytics. Available from: https://www.emissionsanalytics.com/news/hybrids-are-better