Interest in hybrid cars has reached an all-time high because more and more consumers gather to offer dual-motor in response to the promise of better fuel consumption as prices at the pumps rise.
Increase speaking volume
Although South Africa is still unfamiliar with hybrids, which is the belief that they should be charged like electric vehicles, sales in 2021 increased by 1 885% in the first eight months of the year and 44% annually in 2022.
This is according AutoTraderthe year 2022 Hybrid Car Buyer Surveywhich found inquiries about hybrids to increase by 64% annually from 2021 to 2022.
“Hybrid cars have been around for a few years now. The first hybrid to be launched in South Africa was the Toyota Prius in 2005. That said, as an industry, we are in the process of transitioning to a market driven, and prepared for new energy vehicles at scale. AutoTrader CEO George Holding said.
Also read: Want a hybrid car? Consider the pros and cons
“Hybrid vehicles, which, due to rising fuel prices, are now more popular than ever, offer a bridge to an electric mode of transport. But there is no research on the hybrid market available for the industry.
A hybrid question
Although the phrase “hybrid vehicle” has become the latest buzzword, the survey also revealed that in addition to South Africans not knowing how hybrids work, 60% have never experienced a hybrid, but less than five percent own a dual motor. HEV (hybrid electric vehicle).
At the same time, knowledge of how many hybrids are sold in South Africa is lacking despite the high interest, with the same confusion as to the actual configuration of hybrid vehicles.
In short
As a refresher, three types of hybrid vehicles are currently marketed in South Africa; traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid and the so-called mild hybrid. The differences are as follows:
Use a gasoline or diesel engine to charge the battery on board when the voltage is low. At low speed, only the electric motor can be used, with the internal combustion unit taking off at a predetermined speed. Although most hybrids have an EV-only drive mode, the range is often limited to less than 30km.
As with hybrids, PHEVs, as the name suggests, can be charged from a traditional household socket or an electric vehicle charging station. Greater range is possible than with hybrids, with the internal combustion engine taking over after the battery is depleted.
It usually relies on a 48-volt electric motor and a generator that replaces the starter motor. Although it does not have the EV mode of the hybrid or PHEV, the main advantage of the mild hybrid is that it provides a strong flow of power when moving slowly using electric hardware or acts as an overboost for a few seconds with fast acceleration.
As in most hybrids, regenerative braking, in which lost energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack, is standard on the majority of mild hybrids.
Hybrid vehicles in South Africa
In addition to full EVs, the number of South African hybrid vehicles is 24, although this does not include plug-in hybrids as well as mild hybrids.
This includes bringing the total number of hybrids to 77 ranging from R442 800 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs Hybrid, to R7 494 800 Ferrari 296 GTS.
Education is required
Despite the high level of interest, the report’s findings suggest that much education is still needed to better understand South Africans about the benefits and dangers of all types of hybrid vehicles.
“It is important to understand hybrid sentiment, as this is a clear and obvious step for car buyers in the market to move to full battery EVs. With that said, there is an important education and awareness to move towards hybrid car adoption,” the report said.
“Organizations such as dealers, manufacturers and industry bodies should therefore work together to promote, and collaborate to drive and highlight the benefits of hybrid cars.”
The full AutoTrader Hybrid Car Buyer Survey can be viewed here.
NOW Read: Petrol price hike – how much it will cost to fill up your car in March