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Traffic congestion, along with long commutes and air pollution, are a daily reality in the Philippines. The large number of vehicles, insufficient public transport, and limited road infrastructure worsen the situation. But imagine a commute that costs you less and contributes to cleaner air and quieter streets. That's possible with hybrid cars, efficient vehicles that make your everyday journey environmentally friendly.
What’s a Hybrid Car?
Just like regular cars, hybrid cars have an internal combustion engine. But they also have an electric motor to help you save fuel and emit less pollutants in the everyday stop-and-go traffic. While hybrid vehicles aren't a fix for traffic woes, it's a significant step towards greener, more sustainable transportation.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Hybrid cars work by switching between an electric motor and a gas engine for improved performance. In traffic, they primarily use electric power, saving fuel. On highways, the gasoline engine takes over. This means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions, leading to cleaner air. Plus, hybrids are quieter, especially in electric mode, reducing noise pollution in cities and enhancing urban living conditions. Below are the three main types of hybrid cars you should know about.
Full Hybrid
The full hybrid vehicle has an electric motor to power the car for short distances. It's designed for lower speeds, making them ideal for city driving. While the exact speed range varies, electric-only mode is generally most efficient at speeds under 30 to 40 mph.
A full hybrid charges its battery through regenerative braking. This means that when you brake or coast, the car captures that energy and uses it to recharge the battery—no external charging needed! Since it doesn't rely solely on electric power, it doesn't have a set range per charge. This differs from electric vehicles, where you know exactly how far you can go on a full battery.
Mild Hybrid
The mild hybrid has an electric motor that assists the gasoline engine but doesn't drive the car independently. It provides additional power during acceleration and hill climbing, and helps save fuel.
Like its full counterpart, the mild hybrid uses regenerative braking to charge its smaller battery. Since it doesn't operate on electric power alone, the concept of battery life per charge doesn't apply in the same way as full or plug-in hybrids. Its battery primarily assists in overall vehicle efficiency.
Plug-In Hybrid
The Plug-in is a blend of full hybrids and electric cars. It can run on electric power alone for longer distances than a full hybrid, making it great for city commutes and longer trips.
You can charge its larger battery by plugging it into a standard home outlet or a dedicated charging station. Once you've depleted the battery's electric charge, the plug-in hybrid automatically switches to its gasoline engine. This lets you continue driving without range anxiety—the fear that the battery won't have enough charge to make the trip.
The plug-in hybrid varies widely depending on the model and battery size. Some can travel 20 to 50 miles on electric power alone, while others offer even greater ranges before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
Hybrids can be pricier upfront than regular cars because of their advanced technology. But they can save you money on gas in the long run since they use less fuel. While more hybrids are entering the Philippine market, choices might still be limited compared to other countries.
Infrastructure is crucial, too. For plug-in hybrids, charging stations are essential. Right now, the Philippines is still building up this infrastructure. Still, you can find charging stations for electric motors in the following locations in Metro Manila.
Megaworld Uptown Mall, BGC
Eastwood Mall
Fairmont Makati
Robinsons Galleria
Unioil EDSA Guadalupe
Unioil Congressional Avenue
You can also download the PlugShare app, a free EV driver’s app that lets you access an updated public charging map.
Other Eco-Friendly Vehicles
While hybrid cars help cut down emissions, they're not your only green option. If you're looking for a convenient and eco-conscious solution to your daily drive, there's the Gogoro Smartscooter.
This standout two-wheeler runs on electric power, which means zero emissions. It has a unique battery-swapping system, so that you can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one at a swapping station. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for city streets and busy traffic. It's the ideal complement to hybrid vehicles, especially if you're looking for a quick, hassle-free way to navigate shorter distances.
Hybrid cars and electric vehicles may not reduce traffic congestion alone, but they're a step in the right direction. If more people choose greener transportation solutions, it could lead to a push towards more sustainable urban planning. Think electric vehicle lanes or incentives for eco-friendly vehicles. By choosing hybrid cars or the Gogoro Smartscooter, you can help pave the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly future in transportation.
