Hybrid Cars

The functioning of hybrid cars requires the combination of at least one gasoline engine and an electric motor. These cars make use the latest technological advancements to recapture energy via regenerative braking. While the car sometimes works with the gas engine, it uses the electric motor other times for all the work. 

In some cases, the car works through both of them. Ultimately, irrespective of the exact combination method, these cars ensure efficient fuel usage by having less gasoline burned. In such cases, adding electric power can even boost performance occasionally.

One should also note that some of the hybrid cars in UAE come with a dual battery pack that consists of a high-voltage battery pack and a 12-volt conventional battery pack. Such hybrid cars enhance energy use more than non-hybrid cars, where deceleration turns kinetic energy into heat. When it comes to a hybrid model, regenerative braking is put to use to transform the kinetic energy lost when slowing down into electric power, which replenishes its battery pack. 

Now that you know what is a hybrid car, keep reading to know more about hybrid cars in UAE, their types, functioning, and other major aspects. 

Type of Hybrid Vehicles

Here are the types of hybrid cars available in the UAE.

• Series Hybrid

With series hybrid cars, there is no physical mechanical connection between the wheels and the gasoline engine. Instead, the gasoline engine is present just to boost the vehicle battery. As a result, the driving experience becomes more indicative of an electric car, with smoother, powerful acceleration. 

Another good thing about this model is that there is typically less vibration when the gasoline engine engages. However, that engagement doesn't always happen in sync with what your accelerating foot is doing. It might occur that the engine is accelerating up while the car is cruising at a steady speed. While it might appear complex, most drivers don’t find this behaviour concerning. The BMW i3 with the range extender is an example of a series hybrid.

• Parallel Hybrid

Parallel hybrids, unlike a series hybrid, use both the engine and electric motor to drive the wheels. Moreover, the transmission in these cars can be manual, automatic, or continuously variable. In the most common design in this category, the electric motor(s) and gasoline engine are related in a common transmission that blends the two energy assets. One famous hybrid transmission is an energy-split CVT which is used by the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. Transmission type and the dimensions of the fuel engine are key factors regarding the decision of how a parallel hybrid will boost up, sound, and sense. Manufacturers that use the parallel layout include Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Nissan, and Infiniti.

• Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid complements the conventional hybrid idea with a far larger battery pack that, like an electric car's, ought to be fully recharged using an external electricity source—from your own home, workplace, or public charging station. This extra amount of electricity storage is like a bigger gasoline tank, allowing for an extended all-electric powered usage (between 15 and 55 miles relying on the model) and significantly reducing the fuel consumption. 

This often leads to the phenomenon of your car running on electricity most of the time if you have a brief journey and recharge nightly. In case you are required to dissipate the all-electric powered range, the car essentially reverts to being a traditional parallel hybrid. One of the most notable examples of a plug-in hybrid is the Chrysler Pacifica. Plug-in hybrids may either be a series or a parallel hybrid. 

• Variations on the Hybrid Theme

Contrary to the popular idea, the years of advancement have made it even more complex to answer the question "what is a hybrid?" Honda's new hybrid layout, for instance, doesn't fall into the mentioned collections. In this layout, while the engine turns a generator most of the time like a chain hybrid, the engine can also directly drive the wheels like a parallel hybrid at times. 

Then there are the so-called through-the-road hybrids, just like the plug-in hybrids from Volvo that use a fairly traditional front-wheel-drive engine and transmission paired with an electrically powered rear axle. In this case, where their electric powered-handiest axles are at the front, the Acura NSX, BMW i8, and Porsche 918 Spyder supercars are comparable.

• Mild Hybrids

All the above taken into consideration are "full hybrids" in that their electric motor is capable of moving the car by itself even if it's for a quick distance. In a "mild" hybrid, it can't. Simply, as in a full hybrid, a mild hybrid's electric motor is there to help the fuel engine for the purposes of enhancing the gas efficiency system, growing overall performance, or both. It also serves as the starter for the automatic control system which shuts down the engine when the car involves rest, allowing the vehicle to save gasoline.

First expected as an easier and inexpensive approach to bringing hybrid generation to market, mild hybrids don't enhance the fuel economy system to the extent of full hybrid structures. Consequently, they don’t enjoy the same reputation as such. However, mild-hybrid powertrains are currently in the middle of a comeback, as evident in the adoption of forty eight-volt electrical subsystems in motors across the Ram 1500, Mercedes-Benz E-class, and Audi A6, A7, and A8. 

One can, thus, say that automobile organisations are now applying mild-hybrid generation to practically every new version. Inside the now not-too-remote destiny, the answer to "what's a hybrid?" can be "the whole thing."

Key Components of a Hybrid Electric Car

Here is a list of key components of a hybrid electric car available in the UAE.

• Battery (auxiliary): While powering the vehicle accessories, the low-voltage auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car before the traction battery is engaged.
• DC/DC converter: DC/DC converter converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power. The latter is required to recharge the auxiliary battery and run vehicle accessories.
• Electric generator: Electric generator in hybrid cars generates electricity from the rotating wheels while braking and transfers that energy back to the traction battery pack. Some hybrid vehicles use motor generators that possess both driving and regeneration functionalities.
• Exhaust system: The exhaust system channels out the exhaust gases from the engine through the tailpipe. A three-way catalyst is usually designed to reduce engine-out emissions within the exhaust system.
• Electric traction motor: Using power from the traction battery pack, this motor drives the vehicle's wheels. It should be noted that several vehicles use motor generators that perform both the regeneration and driving functions.
• Gasoline filler: It is a nozzle from a fuel dispenser attached to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.
• Power electronics controller: This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the produced torque.
• Gasoline tank: This tank stores the fuel until it's required by the engine.
• Traction battery pack: This pack stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor.
• Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): In this configuration, fuel is injected into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber, where it is combined with air. This air/fuel mixture is then ignited by the spark from a spark plug.
• Thermal system (cooling): The main role of this system is to maintain a proper operating temperature range of the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components to ensure efficient performance and safety.
• Transmission: The transmission system transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.

Advantages of a Hybrid Cars in UAE

Illustrated below are the major advantages of driving a hybrid car in UAE.

• Regenerative braking system
• Automatic start and stop
• Environment-friendly
• Financial benefits due to lesser fuel costs incurred
• Less dependence on fossil fuels
• Electric motor assistance
• Smaller engines
• Built from lightweight materials

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Cars

While several benefits are present, there are also a few major disadvantages of a hybrid car.

• Poor handling
• Lesser power generation
• Inconvenience of battery disposal and recycling
• Hybrid car prices are usually on the higher side
• High maintenance cost 
• Expensive battery replacement charges
• High voltage batteries can cause accidents
• Issues faced in hydrogen fuel cell

Where to Get Car Insurance for Hybrid Vehicles?

While there are key differences between hybrid cars and conventional ones, one aspect they have in common is the requirement for proper car insurance. It should be remembered that car insurance is mandatory in the UAE. However, the effectiveness of car insurance plans goes way beyond just avoiding legal troubles, as they prove helpful in an emergency.

Here are a few ways you can use to get a car insurance policy for your hybrid vehicle.

• Car Insurers: You can visit the online portals of different car insurance websites and check their premium rates. You can also use car insurance premium calculators to evaluate the estimated premium amount that you need to pay monthly or yearly, based on your financial requirements.
• Insurance Agents: Another way to obtain a car insurance plan for your hybrid vehicle is to get in touch with your chosen insurance agent. You can find the contact details of various insurance agents online.
• Our Website: The last and the most convenient way of finding the best car insurance plan is to visit our car insurance section. The best part about choosing this method is that you can go through the benefits and features of all the plans right there on the portal and buy the plan you like the most – all done in one place. Another favourable factor here is that you can contact our fulltime available help and support team to seek assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure that you go through the coverage details of your chosen car insurance plan before paying the premium for the same.
• Check the entire schedule of fees to avoid paying any hidden charges.
• Choose suitable add-ons for your plan as per your insurance needs.
• Contact our help and support team in case you need assistance.

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