Are they really hybrids? The pros and cons of mild-hybrid cars

Hybrid vehicles have slowly begun to become popular in the Philippine market.

Automakers are increasingly releasing these kinds of cars, hoping to capitalize on the growing demand. 

Recent additions to the Philippine market include the likes of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Haval H6 and the Haval Jolion.

Meanwhile, the likes of the Geely Okavango and the recently launched Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid are classified as "mild" hybrid vehicles. 

But just how do mild hybrids work?

What is a mild hybrid car?

Mild-hybrid cars come in different configurations.

Typically, they will feature a small battery pack that works with the regular 12-volt battery commonly found in all internal combustion engine vehicles. This is the system that the Ertiga Hybrid has. 

More often than not, mild-hybrid vehicles will come with a 48-volt system that works together with an integrated starter generator, like in the Okavango. It acts as a starter motor and a power bank to assist the engine.

These vehicles will not have a battery pack to power the car in electric-only mode. 

Unlike a hybrid vehicle that can run on electricity alone, a mild-hybrid car cannot do it. It also means that a mild hybrid relies heavily on its internal combustion engine. 

What are the pros?

You get lower emissions than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, especially while coasting.

Mild-hybrid cars can turn off their engines during coasting and hand over the starting duties to the integrated starter to not strain the battery. The feature helps you reduce fuel consumption and lower your emissions. 

Compared to a complete hybrid vehicle, mild hybrids are also much more affordable. They serve as a great compromise based on finances versus fuel savings.

And unlike an electric vehicle with a set range for travel, a mild-hybrid car does not come with range anxiety. You can just gas it and go like any other internal combustion vehicle. 

What are the cons?

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, a mild hybrid cannot run on electricity alone.

This is because mild hybrids do not have a large enough battery pack. These vehicles are still heavily reliant on their internal combustion engines as a source of propulsion. 

And unlike full-hybrid vehicles in the Philippines, mild hybrids also do not come with the same tax breaks. However, they still benefit from avoiding number coding, as the Philippine government still considers them a “hybrid” vehicle.

Regarding fuel economy, mild hybrid cars do not offer vast improvements in efficiency versus their internal combustion engine counterparts. And compared to a full hybrid vehicle, a mild hybrid is way behind on fuel efficiency.

Do you prefer a mild hybrid or a full hybrid?

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