ACEA

Hybrid Cars Help Reducing CO2 Emissions -- In Specific Circumstances

Two sides of a hybrid: Hybrids are particularly suitable for stop-start city driving, but are not fuel-efficient over longer distances and during motorway driving. This is a result of the nature of a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid car has two engines, an electrical one and a combustion engine. Put in a simplified way, a hybrid car recovers energy during deceleration and braking and stores it in a battery. The battery then releases energy to 1) drive in electric mode (when there is a relatively low driver demand for power) or to 2) boost power to the wheels when the driver demands more power, e.g. higher acceleration or going up a hill.

All depends on usage: In a country that is very urbanised, such as Japan, or for vehicles whose main use is for city driving, a hybrid car is very suitable. Indeed, several public transport companies have opted for hybrid buses and local courier services are doing the same. However, when assessed over longer distances, the use of the combustion engine as the main source of power results in higher CO2 emissions.

Clean diesel: In such cases, clean diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient and therefore better overall for the environment. Diesel cars are also affordable to most consumers since hybrids are still a relatively expensive technology. The European car industry is developing and investing in many technologies at the same time. One of the technological possibilities they are exploring is a hybrid diesel car, combining the best of both worlds, at least in the shorter term. Longer term possibilities are hydrogen and fuel cell engines. But there are many more.

Combinations likely: It is impossible to say today which technology will prove to be the most viable. Most likely, the future will see a number of technological combinations entering the market, perhaps tailored for different usage, driving locations or circumstances and consumer preference.

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