8 Common Misconceptions About Hybrid Cars

Although hybrid cars were first introduced in 1900, there are many myths and misconceptions about how they work. 

Basically, hybrid cars have electric motors in addition to conventional diesel or petrol engines. They possess both a combustion engine and an electric motor. 

In this article, we’ve busted these myths to help you learn the truth about hybrids and appreciate their benefits. 

Myth 1: Hybrid cars are expensive to maintain

Contrary to popular belief, the electric motor is extremely long-lasting. It has fewer moving parts, and it has a long service life because there is no oil to change or spark plugs to repair. 

With the support of electric power, the internal combustion engine and other mechanical parts, such as brakes, don’t have to work vigorously. This translates to fewer replacements and longer service life. Ain’t it great? 

Myth 2: It’s essential to plug in and charge a hybrid car

This is true only for fully electric cars. Hybrid cars, unlike electric vehicles, don’t need to be plugged into a power source to recharge.

Hybrids have two power sources: a petrol motor and a battery-powered electric motor. This means that the vehicle requires fuel to run because it has a petrol motor. 

However, since the electric motor reduces power consumption, the car needs less fuel. When you use less fuel, you emit fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

Myth 3: Hybrid cars are difficult to drive

Another misconception of hybrids is that they are more complicated to drive than an average car. Driving a hybrid is difficult for some because it requires manually switching from electric to gas mode when driving. 

This, however, is completely false. Hybrids actually switch from gas to electric or vice versa automatically. You drive the car the same as you would any other vehicle! 

There’s no distinction, no additional functionalities, and no complex operational steps. Rest assured that hybrid cars have been designed to be as simple as possible. 

Myth 4: Spare parts are not easily available

What happens when there’s damage or mechanical trouble? Will it be a hassle to get a hybrid car serviced or repaired? 

It’s normal to have these concerns and consider the availability of spare parts. Some believe that hybrid cars’ spare parts are not easily accessible, or that they must be taken to specialised repair shops. 

But this isn’t true. 

Hybrid cars, like any other automobile, have readily available spare parts and can be serviced or repaired at any vehicle repair shop. 

Myth 5: Hybrid drive is a new, unexplored technology

The widespread belief that hybrids are a modern and untested technology is prevalent. We’re slow to accustom because we assume that this is all new or unfamiliar. 

Interestingly, hybrids have truly been around for more than a century! 

Hybrid cars were invented way back in 1900, but initial mass production for the mainstream market didn’t start until 1997. Millions of hybrid models have been sold around the world since then, with the technology continuing to evolve and innovate. 

Thus, hybrid technology is definitely not a new concept. 

Myth 6: All hybrids are the same

Similar to petrol cars, hybrids can come in all sorts of variations. In actual fact, some hybrid systems do outperform others! 

There are several ways to build a hybrid car, with motor power (and the number of motors), battery capacity, battery type, and other factors all differ for each model. 

Myth 7: Hybrids aren’t environmentally friendly

It’s undeniable that any fuel-powered vehicle is still responsible for air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but hybrid vehicles have a lower environmental effect than regular vehicles because they use less fuel. 

To an environmentalist, hybrid cars are a better option than conventional vehicles! 

Myth 8: If the battery is flat, the hybrid car can’t move

This is unlikely since hybrid cars have mechanisms in place to keep the battery charged and drained accordingly. 

In the event that the hybrid battery is fully depleted, the petrol engine remains operational. So don’t worry, you’ll definitely be able to start and drive the vehicle and the battery will be charged in no time!

What are other hybrid car myths you’ve heard? Let us know in the comments below.