Hybrid cars or we say the latest Innovations in Hybrid Cars. What’s happening or anything is happening at all apart from the Geo-political conflicts?

The innovations leading the cycle of disruptions and creations of new era of technology or new ecosystem of technology.

Some innovations can merge with the existing era and some can’t, hence the old ecosystem dies out and the new ones pops for an everlasting and long term plan to a stable period.

The evolving and dissolving are the constant focal points of any industry, and the automotive industry is no exception.  Hybrid cars, the byproducts of electric vehicles, and a traditional vehicle also need to undergo the continuous and endless cycle of growth development, and again redevelopment.

The goal of targeting fuel efficiency, reducing emissions for a greener environment, and also improving performance leads to better and more innovative innovations in hybrid cars to attract customers and let the automotive industry be on the go.

The latest innovations in hybrid cars that are expected to hit the market in 2024:

1. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A type of hybrid car running on both electricity and gasoline with a larger battery pack than traditional hybrids. It provides the solutions of challenges traveling longer distances on electric power alone.

Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the plug-in hybrid versions of the popular RAV4 SUV, with an estimated range of 42 miles on electric power alone.

Ford Escape PHEV is also a version of the Escape SUV, with an estimated range of 37 miles on electric power alone.

Honda CR-V Hybrid has an estimated all-electric range of 50 miles.

2. Self-Charging Hybrids

A small electric motor is used in a self-charging hybrid, also known as mild hybrids to help the gasoline engine during acceleration and braking.

The self-charging hybrids:-

• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: A self-charging hybrid version of the Ioniq sedan with an estimated fuel economy of up to 52 mpg. It is a 2021 model.
• Kia Niro Hybrid: The Niro crossover is a self-charging hybrid version with an estimated fuel economy of up to 49 mpg.
• Mazda 3 Hybrid: The Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback is a self-charging hybrid version.

3.48V Hybrid Systems

A higher voltage electric motor was used by the 48V hybrid systems to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The latest 48V hybrid systems are expected to be released in 2024 are:

• Volkswagen Golf GTE: The next-generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback will indeed feature a 48-volt mild hybrid version system.
• Audi A3 Sportback 3-tron: The A3 Sportback is available with a 48V hybrid version system. The updated version also includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system, achieving around 50.4 mpg.

4. Advanced Battery Technology

The battery technology development leads to hybrid cars development for covering the issue of traveling longer distances on electric power alone.

The latest battery technologies are:-

• Solid-state batteries: Solid electrolyte batteries are used instead of liquid ones, improving safety and efficiency.
• Lithium-air batteries: The principle lies in using oxygen from the air to generate electricity that potentially doubles the range of hybrid cars.
• Sodium-ion batteries: The batteries use sodium instead of lithium with a more cost-effective and sustainable approach.

5. Autonomous Hybrid Technology

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) with a hybrid powertrain for improving safety and efficiency.

The autonomous hybrid technologies are:-

• Level 3 autonomy: The vehicles are allowed with technology like taking control of the steering wheel and accelerating or decelerating in certain situations.

• Predictive cruise control: Sensors and mapping data technology are used for predicting the road and so adjust the vehicle’s speed so.

• Advanced driver monitoring: Cameras and sensors are used for monitoring the driver’s attention and adjust the vehicle’s settings.

6. Intelligent Energy Management Systems

The development of advanced energy management systems for optimizing the use of electric and gasoline power. The systems are also used intelligently and switched between power sources to maximize efficiency and performance.

7.Lightweight Materials and Aerodynamics

The use of carbon fiber, aluminum, and other advanced materials is important for using lightweight materials and improving aerodynamics to enhance fuel efficiency.

8.Integration with IoT and AI

The goal of being smart is not just for human beings but also meant for Hybrid cars with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is not just the future but also the show and the technologies have been revolving around AI with features like predictive maintenance, real-time energy management, and enhanced driver assistance systems.

Sources:- The Drive, Auto Express, What Car?, Toyota, motortrend, edmunds, Kia, CarExpert, fueleconomy, Auto Trader, crowntoyota, cars, U.S.News