Since the advent of automobiles, auto manufacturers have made constant efforts to enhance the technology for better vehicle efficiency and performance. Although hybrid vehicles were introduced in the late 19th century, they have come a long way with improved systems. Hybrid cars were a step forward towards environmentally-friendly driving options.
There is a rising shift towards alternate mobility and EVs are expensive, therefore, for now, hybrid cars serve as a better alternative to IC engine-powered vehicles. That said, a hybrid car combines an electric hybrid battery and an internal combustion engine to power the automobile.
Moreover, hybrid car batteries are rechargeable and powerful enough to move a vehicle at a certain speed and distance.
Let’s know more about the functioning of a hybrid car battery, its voltage, life, replacement costs, and how its packaging is improved.
HOW DOES A HYBRID BATTERY WORK
There are following three types of hybrid car batteries:
- Lead-acid batteries: This hybrid battery type contains toxic chemical substances and is heavy, reducing the fuel economy.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are less toxic than lead-acid ones. They are also used in daily electronics such as laptops and smartphones.
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries: It is by far the most advanced battery, but it is more expensive than the other two types of hybrid car batteries. Nickel-metal hybrid batteries are potentially more hazardous than lithium-ion batteries.
Automobile manufacturers mostly use 12V lithium-ion batteries because they can store more power than other types of hybrid batteries.
CONSTRUCTION OF HYBRID BATTERY
A hybrid car battery consists of two electrodes in an electrolyte solution. A fine polymer film separates the electrodes to prevent any short circuit. Besides, hybrid batteries bridge the electrodes when you start your hybrid car. Moreover, a hybrid battery consists of a battery pack with multiple cells to power vehicles.
High-voltage cables are connected to the battery packs supplying power to the hybrid car motor. These cables and battery packs are insulated with plastic casings.
HOW DOES A HYBRID CAR BATTERY CHARGE
Unlike electric vehicles, you won’t require a hybrid battery charger. Instead, the battery holds its charge through a process called regenerative braking. When you press the brake pedal, some energy from the braking charges the hybrid battery.
Moreover, the B-gear in hybrid cars also recharges the car battery and generates engine drag when going downhill.
Besides, plug-in hybrid car batteries differ a little from the normal hybrid ones. That said, the plug-in hybrid car batteries can be charged from EV charging stations as well as regenerative braking.
HYBRID CAR BATTERY VOLTAGE
The battery pack of hybrid vehicles consists of small cells assembled to produce high voltage. Hybrid battery voltage can range from 100 to 300 volts, and some batteries can provide higher voltage when using a voltage converter. That said, the 2010 model of Toyota Prius could boost voltage up to 600 volts using a voltage converter.
HYBRID CAR VS PLUG-IN HYBRID CAR BATTERY LIFESPAN
Although there is not much difference between the batteries of hybrid and plug-in hybrid car batteries, let’s go through difference between their lifespan:
HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY LIFE
Since a hybrid battery is an integral part, you can not drive your hybrid vehicle without it. Therefore, its periodic maintenance becomes necessary. The lifespan of a hybrid car battery is eight years or 160,000 kilometres and sometimes even longer. However, they tend to fail before that period. That said, you will have to replace your battery to get your hybrid vehicle running.
If your hybrid battery is not functioning properly, you will not be able to get the fuel efficiency and low emissions your hybrid car is intended for. Hybrid battery replacement costs around AED 3600, but with the presence of aftermarket car products, you can have these hybrid car batteries at lower cost.
Moreover, recent technological developments have made hybrid batteries last longer and cost less.
PLUG-IN HYBRID CAR BATTERY LIFE
A plug-in hybrid car features a larger battery that you can charge from EV charging stations. A charged battery has a range of around 70 kilometres. After that, it shifts to operating as a normal hybrid car. The plug-in hybrid car batteries are engineered to last lifetime. Moreover, different brands such as Toyota provide a 5 year or 100,000 kilometres warranty for plug-in hybrid car batteries.
A hybrid car battery is more complex than one could think of. Additionally, you have to maintain your hybrid vehicle properly and protect the hybrid battery from heat to avoid its depletion before its life ends.
Therefore, always ensure to check the hybrid battery when you buy a hybrid vehicle from a list of used cars in the UAE. You can explore hybrid trims from the following top pre-owned car options:
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