Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid and Electric Cars (Essay Sample)

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Hybrid and Electric Cars
Hybrid cars are cars that are powered by gasoline only; they are powered by energy that they recapture during braking (Sfetcu 115). This energy is stored as electricity because hybrids cannot be plugged into an electric source for charging. Their efficiency is based on their economic use of fuel and their use of more advanced technologies. They have an automatic start and stop that facilitates an automatic shutting off of the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop (Fuhs 218). Also, it automatically starts the car when the accelerator is pressed, this reduces energy wastage.
Hybrid cars also employ regenerative braking technology which facilitates generation of electricity and helps in slowing down the vehicle. Regenerative braking makes it possible for hybrid cars to recapture energy which is usually lost during braking. The element of electric motor drive in hybrid cars provides power that helps the engine in accelerating and hill climbing which allows for the use of smaller and more efficient engines (Juettner 7).
On the other hand, electric cars only use electricity therefore, they must always be charged. These cars are propelled by electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries (Linde 79). The electric cars are more efficient than those propelled with gasoline. This is because of their ability to convert a higher percentage of their electrical energy from the grid to power their wheels. Also, they are environmentally friendly because they emit minimum pollutants. Such cars are less noisy, operate smoothly and have stronger acceleration and less maintenance. Also, they have reduced energy dependence.
Despite the numerous advantages of electric cars, they have shortcomings that usually arise because of the rechargeable batteries. The driving range is limited by the ability of the battery to propel the wheels of the car. Besides, the battery is expensive, bulky and takes time to recharge. The challenges have motivated researchers to come up with improved battery technologies that aim at increasing the driving range and reducing the recharging time, the weight and the cost (Boxwell 66).
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