Introduction:
Back in the day, if you wanted to buy a vehicle, your choices were limited to petrol or diesel. Oh, how simple it was… But now, in 2023, when carmakers are making grand claims surrounding zero emissions, the choices aren’t as straightforward. The world has changed, with the mushrooming of hybrid, plug-in, and fully electric vehicles as governments push towards a zero-emissions future. In this electrifying age, let’s unravel the shocking truth about these electrified vehicles and their electrifying quirks.
Hybrid Hilarity:
The history books tell us that Ferdinand Porsche made the first hybrid car in 1900, known as the Lohner-Porsche Mixed Hybrid. Yes, folks, before Instagram, TikTok, and avocado toast, there was a dude named Ferdinand hybridizing things in 1900. His prototypes were basically two-wheeled, battery-powered electric cars with hub-mounted motors, which is pretty much like a vintage version of your Roomba with wheels.
But now, in the era of Instagrammable avocado toast, we have modern hybrids. These vehicles combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The car plays a little game called “musical powerplants” where it seamlessly switches between the two while you’re driving, almost like a DJ mixing beats at a club. Of course, it does all this without you noticing, because who needs to be conscious of their car’s power source?
The hybrid’s battery is so small it makes your smartphone’s battery look like a monster. Charging is easy, and it happens on the go. It’s like your car is secretly sipping on a Capri Sun while you cruise along. And to make it clear, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the hybrid we’ve all been waiting for. It’s got a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors that produce enough power to launch it into outer space, or at least feel like it.
Plug-in Hybrid Pandemonium:
Now, if you think hybrids are exciting, wait until you hear about plug-in hybrids. These are like hybrid cars with a supersized battery and their own charging port. It’s basically a hybrid on steroids, a real gym enthusiast in the world of cars.
With a plug-in hybrid, you get a bigger battery, and you can recharge it using a regular power socket or, if you’re feeling fancy, at an EV charging station. It’s like being at a buffet with unlimited options – eat as much electricity as you like. These bad boys can even go longer distances on electric power before the engine jumps in, making range anxiety a thing of the past. No need to panic when you see a charging station; the engine’s got your back.
And don’t forget about the Jaguar E-Pace and F-Pace PHEVs, claiming a range of up to 66km. That’s enough range to get lost in the wilderness and still make it back in time for dinner. Plus, you don’t have to worry about charging because the engine recharges the battery. You might never see a gas station again!
All-Electric Extravaganza:
Now, all-electric vehicles are like the minimalists of the car world. They’ve ditched the internal combustion engine and run solely on electricity. No more noisy engines, no more exhaust fumes, just pure, unadulterated electric power. You can literally whizz past crowded filling stations, feeling like a superhero avoiding kryptonite.
The battery in an all-electric vehicle is like a giant Duracell that powers one or more electric motors. And the best part? You can recharge them while driving, through regenerative braking, or at a charging station. Plus, recharging technology is advancing faster than a toddler’s ability to say “Why?” a million times in a row.
So, if the 2019 BMW i3 gave you a paltry 260km on a full charge, you’ll be thrilled to know that the BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace can now take you on journeys up to 630km and 470km, respectively, on a single charge. That’s like driving across several countries on one tank of electricity. And the recharging process is faster than you can say “Fully charged, Captain!”
Conclusion:
In South Africa, where electrified cars are still budding flowers rather than an entire garden, fully electric cars might be a tad too pricey for the average consumer. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are the practical options for now, and they’re just as electrically entertaining. So, until South Africa sorts out its EV infrastructure and power woes, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars make a world of sense. Think of them as the electric sidekicks to your ICE-powered adventures, ready to electrify your driving experience!
