Over the last 10 years we have seen more and more electric vehicles on the roads, motorists more understanding of this new technology but still some people have a problem jumping from traditional powered to fully electric vehicles. In recent years we have seen growing interest in hybrids although automobile manufacturers now seem more interested in the jump to full electric vehicles. Are manufacturers missing a trick with hybrids? Do we need to re-educate the motoring public?

What is a hybrid?

Many people have heard the term hybrid vehicle and know roughly what it means but not exactly. a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle which is powered by an electric motor but the electric motor is “topped up” by a traditional fuel powered generator. So, drivers get the full benefit of electric powered travel but a backup system which will ensure that their batteries are charged at all times.

If you look at hybrids from a distance, it does seem to make sense that they would be the natural steppingstone from a traditional powered vehicle to the new array of electric cars now available?

Re-educating the motoring public

Even though electric vehicles have been around in some shape or form for in excess of 100 years there is still a need to re-educate the motoring public about their benefits. In the early years we saw an array of half-truths, mistruths and blatant lies spread about the industry as a means of protecting petrol/gasoline powered cars. Some of these mistruths have “grown arms and legs” and are seen by many as the real truth when the reality is very different. So, while hybrids may offer an interesting option in the early days there is more of a need to re-educate the motoring public about what else is on offer.

Do hybrids have a place on the road?

There is no doubt that hybrids do have a part to play in the short, medium and even the longer term. We have seen the number of electric car charging stations increase dramatically in recent times but more work needs to be done and as soon as possible. Therefore, it is not difficult to see hybrids playing a major role in this new EV revolution at least in the short to medium term while governments and corporate entities redirect their electric vehicle investment towards the recharging sector.

In some ways a hybrid can be seen as a “cheat” when in reality it gives the feel of an electric powered vehicle but also the assurance that even if no electric charging stations are available when your charge is low you will still be able to get home. It is to all intents and purposes an insurance policy while recharging networks around the world expand.

Conclusion

Many experts believe that the electric car sector has not made full use of the hybrids available today as a means of switching the focus away from traditional powered vehicles. It is much easier to make the jump from a hybrid to a fully powered electric car than it is from a petrol/gasoline vehicle to an electric car. Motorists need to have confidence in their vehicle, confidence they can get home and to a lesser extent understand the technology under the bonnet. In summary hybrids offer something of a comfort blanket for those with issues such as range anxiety.