Hybrid Cars: Pros and Cons of Owning One in Africa

Technology has changed many things, making many people’s dreams come true. The auto industry has not been left behind and has seen the invention of the hybrid cars. These are cars which have a distinction from the normal cars that use only one power source. Hybrid cars use two or more distinct power sources. This invention has greatly influenced many people in Africa to work hard towards owning one such car. These cars combine the use of internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. An example of a hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. Owning hybrid cars in Africa carries some pros and cons in equal measure.

The Pros of Hybrid Cars

Lower Fuel Consumption - Most hybrid cars come with lower fuel consumption. The combination of petrol and electric power mean plenty of fuel is saved daily. They also have the stop/start technology that is used to save more fuel when the car is stationary. The consumption of less fuel makes it eco-friendly as less pollution to the atmosphere occurs. The rate carbon dioxide emission is proportional to fuel used. Many hybrid cars are also designed in a way that the gas engine runs for less time and thus wears less meaning the brakes also last longer.

A Quieter Machine on the Road - Many people have, over time, looked for cars having a quieter operation. Hybrid cars possess this quality as the electric motor is noiseless and when starting the car or driving slowly, the car moves silently. Also, the electric motor gives additional torque to the gas engine.

Easier Starting - Most cars have problems starting during the cold season because the oil may freeze or thicken. The hybrid car has much more chance to start the engine successfully as it is not dogged by these challenges. Hybrid cars also help drivers drive efficiently. Most of them have displays that show the present mileage as well as average miles per gallon (MPG).

The Cons of Hybrid Cars

Expensive - If you have the ambition of owning a hybrid car in Africa, there is the need to have saved a lump sum amount of money. This is because the hybrid car is quite expensive due to its model of having two engines and the costly high-voltage batteries.

Added Weight - Owning a hybrid car means facing weight problem. The high voltage battery weighs hundreds of kilograms, translating to side effects such as slow acceleration and breaking system. The weight also means a higher center of gravity which affects its stability. Manufacturers’ distribution of weight away from drive wheels tends to have negative effects on performance.

Limited on Options - Owning hybrid cars comes with limited desired exterior design and interior capacity as there are not many variations of hybrid cars available. Also, the gas engine works optimally and the hybrid system doesn’t help much when driving at high constant speeds on highways, meaning lower highway mileage.