Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) cars

PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which is a type of hybrid car that can be charged from an external power source.

PHEV cars are generally considered to be better for the environment than traditional petrol-powered cars because they emit less pollution and use less fuel, but they are not as environmentally friendly as fully electric vehicles.

While some PHEVs can charge while driving using regenerative braking or a generator, most PHEVs need to be plugged in to charge their battery.

Yes, PHEVs have regenerative braking, which allows them to recover some of the energy lost during braking and use it to recharge the battery.

To charge a PHEV at home, you can use a standard power outlet or a specialized charging station, which can provide faster charging speeds.

The lifespan of PHEV batteries can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and other factors, but they typically last between 8-10 years or 100,000-150,000 miles before they need to be replaced.

A hybrid car is a type of vehicle that uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor to power the wheels. The idea behind a hybrid car is to combine the benefits of a petrol engine with the fuel efficiency of an electric motor, resulting in lower emissions and improved fuel economy. Hybrid cars can also use regenerative braking to recharge their batteries and reduce wear on the brakes.

Hybrid cars work by using an electronic control unit to manage the flow of power between the petrol engine and electric motor. In some hybrid cars, the petrol engine and electric motor work together to provide extra power during acceleration or cruising, while in others the electric motor can provide power on its own at lower speeds. When the car brakes, energy is recovered and stored in the battery for later use. Hybrid cars can also use start-stop technology to turn off the engine when the car is stopped, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Whether a hybrid car is worth it depends on individual circumstances, such as how much you drive, how much you're willing to pay, and the environmental benefits you're looking for.

Hybrid cars tend to be more expensive than traditional petrol-powered cars, but they can offer significant savings in fuel costs over time. They also tend to have lower emissions and better resale value, which can be important for some buyers. However, if you don't drive very much or if you're looking for a low-cost car, a hybrid may not be the best choice.

Hybrid cars do not necessarily need to be charged externally, but some models offer plug-in charging for additional electric-only range. This is called a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which uses a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source.

The electric-only range of a PHEV can vary depending on the model, but is typically around 35-80 kilometres. However, even without plug-in charging, hybrid cars can still use regenerative braking and other technologies to help recharge their batteries.

The lifespan of a hybrid car battery can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and climate, but they typically last between 130,000-160,000 kilometers. In some cases, hybrid batteries can last even longer with proper care. However, when the battery does need to be replaced, it can be an expensive repair, which is something to keep in mind when considering a hybrid car

Yes, you can jump start a hybrid car just like a traditional gasoline-powered car, but it's important to follow proper procedures to avoid damaging the hybrid system.