A combination of an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors for propulsion makes a car hybrid. Hybrid cars have pros and cons. Don’t be fooled by disadvantages of hybrid cars.
You must know working of hybrid cars before making a final decision. It all depends on your daily driven needs. Hybrid cars require heavy investment compared to conventional cars.
Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars
You will be definitely aware of advantages of hybrid electric cars. This awareness requires complete knowledge regarding working of hybrid cars before making a final decision.
What Are Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars?
Your daily driven needs may convert advantages of hybrid cars into disadvantages. How? Below given key points are self explanatory.
1. Higher Initial Cost
The reason why hybrid cars are comparatively more expensive than conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) are given below:
- One or more electric motors
- Battery pack large enough to run motors
- Complex gear mechanism which transfers power from ICE and electric motor to wheels
- Supplementary wiring to accomodate battery and motors
- Car’s complex computer system to manage electric motors and ICE
- Upgraded cooling system to maintain standard operating temperature
2. Complex Hybrid Technology
Complex hybrid technology requires expensive maintenance. It can surprise you if hybrid elements get damaged. However brand new cars have warranties for repairs. You may face problem if you purchase a used car.
3. Enhanced Weight
Additional weight effects performance. A standard car battery weighs in between 30-40 pounds. While in Toyota Prius it is almost 120 pounds to run motors. A thorough comparison is given below.
| Sr. No. | Make and Variant | Weight (lbs) | Weight Difference |
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD | 3515 | Regular Unleaded Conventional Engine |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD | 3775 | 260 Pounds Excess |
| 3 | Toyota RAV4 Prime SE AWD PHEV | 4235 | 720 Pounds Excess |
This added weight may impact handling, acceleration and braking.
4. Performance
A hybrid car will be slower as compared to its ICE counterparts outside some exceptions. These exceptions include Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Turbo S, Mclaren P1, Honda NSX. The above given variants are built to keep in mind the improved efficiency and low carbon emissions.
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5. Pricey Battery Replacement
The battery is expected to last 8 to 10 years which is very good. However in case of Toyota Prius, It can cost you about 1200 USD. In some cases hybrid battery replacement can go upto 6000 USD depending upon the car variant and battery type.
6. Prolonged Stopping Distance
Hybrid powertrain and battery packs increase overall weight. It puts extra pressure on brakes. The tests have confirmed that hybrid variants have longer stopping distances with respect to their non-hybrid variants.
7. Deficit Incentives
There was a time before EVs entered in the market when a good price incentive was given on hybrid cars. Now a very little incentive is offered which make hybrid cars expensive.
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8. Fuel Economy on Motorways / Highways
Hybrid cars don’t make sense if your commute is on highways and motorways. These consume the same amount of fuel as their conventional ICE variants. However if your daily driven routine is city traffic, it make difference.
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9. Reduced Hybrid Fuel Economy in Cold Weathers
The chemical reaction inside batteries which release energy requires standard operating temperature. In cold weathers time to obtain this temperature increases. This prolonged time puts extra load on Internal combustion engine to maintain power. It decreases fuel economy of hybrid cars in cold weather.
