Hybrid Myth Busters (Part 2)
All Hybrids are sloooow-
This is a very common misconception, which is soon to be changed. There was indeed a time when hybrid technology was lucky to see much over 50 to 100 horsepower. Today however, each separate electric engine on a hybrid can really add up to some real numbers. For example, a typical set up could include one large electric motor for the rear wheels at 200 horsepower, and then a 50 horsepower electric motor for each of the front wheels, and presto… 400 total horsepower!
Hybrid batteries are bad for the environment-
This rumor has sure been passed around a lot as of lately. The myth has a common sense nature that says that disposed batteries are bad for the environment. Well, yes, the old school technology (nickel-cadmium) batteries WERE bad for the environment, but rechargeable NIMH (what today’s hybrids use) are both recyclable and far less-toxic.
Plug-in hybrids have a very limited driving range-
This used to be very true. For a PHEV to last 30 to 50 miles on a single charge was quite impressive. Good for day to day usage, but you would never want to take it cross-country with this kind of range. Today however, 200+ miles per charge is possible with batteries such as the Altairnano. The Altairnano is also capable of a full charge in around 10 minutes, which is just over 5 minutes from the typical stop at a gas station. There has been talk of charging stations in the future along with the gas pumps, making it even easier to get around in your PHEV hybrid.
Hybrids are very complex and costly to repair-
Hybrids are actually quite similar to any other combustion vehicle in their basic design, so almost any trained mechanic can do the standard maintenance. The more technical high voltage aspects of a hybrid are less known and considered more of a specialty repair, but this is only a temporary situation. As hybrids grow in popularity, more and more mechanics will want to become certified in their technical repair and the competition will drive the prices down. A hybrid engine is actually similar in design to that of an electric drill, albeit more complex, but it is not beyond learning. There was once a time when the combustion engine was considered highly complex too.
