Hybrid Electric Vehicles (petrol engine/electric engine/battery)
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid - $31,000
Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid- $31,000
Toyota Yaris SX Hybrid - $31,000
Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid - $36,000
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX - $36,000
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid - $39,000
Subaru Forester XV 2.0L Hybrid L - $40,000
Toyota Koba Hybrid - $42,000
Toyota Prius V - $42,000
Toyota Prius - $43,000
Some general info on hybrid/electric cars:
HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle
PHEV = Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle
EV = Electric Vehicle
HEVs are cars with a traditional petrol engine, usually of small capacity, i.e. 1.2-1.8L, with an additional electric motor, and a battery. They don't require charging manually, as the petrol motor and the electric system charge the battery.
PHEVs are cars with the same system as HEV, but have the additional option of plugging into an electric outlet to charge the battery. By charging the battery via an outlet, less petrol is required to charge the battery, so less cost, and more range (kms).
EVs have no petrol engine, just an electric motor (or two), and a battery. The battery is larger so can accommodate longer ranges (kms). The battery takes longer to charge than PHEVs, so usually charging is done overnight.
Battery: the battery in these cars is not one giant battery, but a series of cells. When a cell 'dies', warning messages appear on the car display. Instead of replacing the all the cells at a car dealership, some people are just replacing the cells. Sometimes with reconditioned cells (used cells with reduced life), or new cells. Businesses have started up to cater for this service.
Charging: apart from the petrol motor (via a generator) charging the battery, the electric motor can also be used to charge the battery via 'regenerative braking'. This uses the motor to slow the car instead of the brakes, which can extend the life of the brake system.
There is an issue with 'fast charging' of EV/PHEV batteries. The increased power generates heat that affects battery life/condition, so slow charging is recommended. Scientists and EV battery makers are working on ways to improve fast charging.
