Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular among South African motorists. According to Car.co.za count, by the end of September 2024, the traditional hybrid total of sold units came to 9,447 units.
With hybrid vehicle’s incredible fuel economy, reduction of emissions, and continuous improvements (like regenerative braking technology), it’s not surprising they’ve captured the local public’s attention.
That said, they are pretty complicated. Many South Africans aren’t entirely sure how they work, how long their batteries last, or what the maintenance requirements are for a hybrid vehicle.
Let’s first get the basics out of the way.
How Hybrid Vehicles Work
As the name would suggest, a hybrid vehicle combines two power sources: an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor.
Working together, the vehicle can change power sources, selecting the one best suited to the driving conditions.
A hybrid vehicle uses its electric motors for low speeds, while its combustion engine is used for cruising on an open freeway.
There are many variations, but this is generally the current format. Now that we’ve defined what a hybrid vehicle is, what exactly is the role of their batteries?
Role Of Batteries In Hybrid
While hybrid vehicles have two power sources, requiring a separate battery for both.
The combustion engine generally uses a 12-volt lead-acid battery, while electric motors typically use a lithium-ion (Li-ion) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery.
These batteries are responsible for different functions, with the lead acid battery starting the combustion engine. The Li-on or HiMH battery powers the electric motor, stores energy, and supports the internal combustion engine when needed.
However, these roles can change depending on the hybrid vehicle’s model and brand, so these are just generalisations. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual to ensure you know how your vehicle’s batteries function.
In some hybrid vehicles, you will be fortunate to have regenerative braking, allowing the car to capture kinetic energy converted into electricity.
Now that we have a better understanding of what these batteries do, what are their differences?
Differences Between Combustion And Electric Batteries
There are clear differences between the batteries used for the combustion engine and electric motors, down to their chemical composition.
As mentioned, your hybrid vehicle will have two batteries: lead acid and one Li-ion or NiMH.
The hybrid vehicle battery bank usually has a larger and more dense storage capacity than its lead-acid counterpart. These characteristics allow the batteries to provide power for longer periods.
Also, their construction is worlds apart, with the lead-acid batteries being heavier and less complicated.
Your vehicle’s lead-acid batteries are always cheaper and can be subjected to more abuse than the hybrid vehicle’s battery bank.
Now that we know the differences, how does a hybrid car owner maintain their batteries?
Maintenance Tips for Hybrid Car Batteries
As with anything in life, properly using your hybrid car’s batteries can extend its lifespan. Proper maintenance can also ensure that it performs at its best.
To ensure the car’s batteries are healthy, they must be booked for a regular check-up. Ensure your vehicle is scheduled for regular battery diagnostics with a certified technician to monitor its health and performance.
Extreme temperatures can affect batteries. Avoid exposing your hybrid vehicle to extreme temperatures for extended periods, as excessive heat or cold can degrade the battery.
You may be familiar with the importance of driving a vehicle regularly to maintain its battery. Frequently driving the car will help maintain battery charge levels and prevent them from deteriorating due to disuse.
Also, understand what your hybrid vehicle’s warning signs mean. It is most likely a new drivetrain system for you and may be unfamiliar. So, pay attention to dashboard warning lights or reduced fuel efficiency, which may indicate battery issues.
If your vehicle has a regenerative braking feature, you can recharge the battery while driving, reducing the strain on it.
Most importantly, avoid deep discharges with your vehicle’s hybrid batteries, as they are not designed to be fully discharged. While most will have fail-safe features to prevent this, make sure to keep an eye on charge levels to prevent this from happening.
If you want to replace your hybrid car’s 12-volt lead-acid battery, please visit any of SABAT’s closest stockists for assistance.