Debunking 6 common myths about hybrid vehicles

To promote sustainable mobility, many carmakers around the world have released electrified vehicle models and variants in the market. Hybrid cars have been highly patronized in most other countries because these can help save not only the environment, but also on gas expenses. However, here in the Philippines, hybrids are not as widely used — perhaps attributable to a lot of misconceptions about this kind of vehicle.

Toyota Motor Philippines takes a look on the six common myths that most Filipinos connote about hybrid vehicles and sets things straight.

Myth No. 1: Hybrid electric vehicles are basically the same as other electric vehicles.

The Truth: A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is motivated by only one power source, which is the electric motor. Meanwhile, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is powered by a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. The only similarity between a BEV and an HEV is that they both use electricity for power. What makes an HEV different is that it uses another power source aside from battery, which is the petrol engine.

Myth No. 2: Hybrid vehicles must be charged before use.

The Truth: A hybrid car uses the engine, along with regenerative braking to charge the battery, so you don’t have to plug in. It charges itself. This is extra convenient since there is no need to go to a charging station and wait for hours in order to drive your vehicle.

Myth No. 3: Hybrid vehicles are high-maintenance.

The Truth: Just like a traditional vehicle, you just need to take your HEV unit to your local Toyota dealer for its preventive maintenance service (PMS). Hybrid batteries do not require any special maintenance procedure aside from the PMS.

To guarantee worry-free ownership, Toyota provides a five-year hybrid battery warranty along with the standard three-year vehicle warranty. Toyota’s hybrid batteries are developed to last the lifetime of the vehicle as long as it is properly maintained.

Myth No. 4: Driving a hybrid vehicle in a flooded road can cause electrocution.

The Truth: The hybrid vehicle’s power automatically shuts off once in contact with water so you definitely won’t get electrocuted! In terms of safety, it doesn’t have any difference from a regular car since their engines are situated at similar heights from the ground. To further prove the reliability of hybrid vehicles, Toyota tested an HEV unit on a simulated flood situation. You can watch the video here.

Myth No. 5: Hybrid vehicles come with a hefty price tag.

The Truth: Nowadays, carmakers are pricing hybrid vehicles more affordably. Most hybrids are priced competitively versus regular gas-powered vehicles. The hybrid’s fuel efficiency also makes it cost effective, since you’re going to save a lot on gas expenses.

Myth No. 6: Hybrid vehicles are difficult to drive.

The Truth: Driving a hybrid is basically the same as driving a regular car. You just need to gas them up, but not as often as you do in a conventional vehicle. Hybrid vehicles use an intelligent system which automatically shifts between EV and gas mode to boost the fuel economy.

Toyota now offers several hybrid vehicles that you can choose from. This includes the iconic Toyota Prius and the hybrid variants of Toyota Corolla Altis and Toyota Corolla Cross. To learn more about these hybrid vehicle model and variants, log on to https://toyota.com.ph/hybrid.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines