What are the drawbacks of hybrid electric vehicles?
3 Answers
The drawbacks of hybrid electric vehicles include high prices, as the cost of hybrid engines is higher than that of gasoline engines. For the same model, the hybrid version is more expensive than the gasoline version. There is also a serious monopoly issue, as the "ECVT" technology is monopolized, preventing other manufacturers from choosing alternatives. Here are the advantages of hybrid electric vehicles: 1. Low fuel consumption: Like gasoline cars, they refuel at gas stations, but due to lower fuel consumption, refueling is less frequent, and there’s no need to change usage habits. They offer high fuel efficiency. During startup and acceleration, the electric motor assists, allowing the battery to drive alone, reducing fuel consumption. 2. Low noise: Performance is superior to that of pure internal combustion engine cars of the same displacement, reducing mechanical noise inside the car. 3. Advanced technology: Instead of using a traditional transmission, they employ a coupling unit called "ECVT," which features a planetary gear structure.
I've been considering buying a hybrid car recently. After researching for a long time, I found the prices are really expensive - even the base model costs 10,000 to 20,000 yuan more than a gasoline car with the same configuration. While fuel efficiency for daily driving is an advantage, battery issues are significant: after a few years, the battery range may decrease, and replacing it could cost several thousand yuan, not including installation fees. Maintenance is also troublesome - regular repair shops might not understand this system, requiring specialized service centers with long wait times. There's also the space issue - the trunk often loses space to the battery, making luggage storage inconvenient. If you don't charge frequently and rely on gasoline, the fuel consumption isn't much better, making the high cost seem unjustified. Overall, hybrids are suitable for frequent short urban trips, but long-term value for money isn't great.
As someone with a bit of interest in automotive technology, I've tried hybrid vehicles. The system is complex and prone to issues: the gasoline engine and electric motor working simultaneously, with control modules frequently having minor faults that are troublesome to repair when they fail. The battery has a limited lifespan, typically lasting about eight to ten years, with performance degrading rapidly as it ages; performance is poor in winter or high temperatures, affecting overall efficiency. Increased vehicle weight leads to clumsy handling and less agile cornering; software updates are frequent, but new bugs often appear after upgrades. While they are environmentally friendly, the battery manufacturing process has pollution sources, and recycling processes are not yet perfected. These drawbacks degrade the driving experience, making them less simple and reliable than pure gasoline vehicles.
