WITH the state of the planet an increasing concern, and governments around the world planning policies to greatly reduce carbon emissions and footprints, the dialogue on changing the way we use cars has already started. Around the world, consumers have started adopting the next generation of transportation: environmentally friendly cars. Carmudi, the fastest growing vehicle marketplace, explores the pros and cons of hybrid and electric vehicles. A hybrid vehicle has a traditional engine that requires fuel to run, and an electric motor that runs on battery. The car uses the battery when pulling out of a stop, braking, and cruising at relatively low speeds. The motor switches to fuel when travelling at higher speeds and during heavy acceleration. They now also come with a “plug-in” variety, so drivers can expand the battery and have the electric motor take over for longer. An electric vehicle has a motor that is powered by a battery pack rather than fuel. It's also equipped with regenerative brakes, that recapture the energy while driving or braking so it is not a total loss. In order to recharge the battery, you need to plug it into an electrical source. The Advantages The major plus point for hybrid cars is fuel efficiency, especially when most driving is done in the city. A lot of fuel is wasted during traffic jams, with constant acceleration and braking. With a hybrid, that time would be spent using the electric motor. Another way these cars save money is by being extremely low maintenance. Carbon emissions are also greatly reduced. The resale value is higher than regular cars since hybrids are less susceptible to damage and wear and tear. As for the drive itself, the engine is quieter than regular cars and offers a smooth ride as well. With an electric car, fuel consumption goes down to zero. Maintenance costs are also next to nothing, as breakdowns are rare. Carbon emissions are also nonexistent. The Disadvantages Since the hybrid car is housing both an electric and a fuel energy source, it weighs more, leading to issues in handling. Choices are also limited, since not every brand tends to make them. This is changing, however, as hybrids gain popularity. They can also be a tad bit more expensive than regular models, but that can be offset with the money saved on fuel. Owners of electric vehicles share one thing in common: range anxiety. While a full charge should be enough for city commuting, it can nevertheless be daunting to drive to places where no charge stations are nearby. Some may prefer to be able to charge their vehicles at home, which would require them to install an expensive charge station. Batteries, although they last long, can be expensive to replace when the time comes. Recharge time is also problematic, as it can take anywhere between 4-20 hours to get a full recharge depending on the model and charging station. There also isn't a lot of choice when it comes to electric cars. So is this the new trend to take the country by storm? While it might not be an instantaneous shift, the discussion has definitely started. — SG
