On the Road: Hybrid cars result in savings at the gas pump

As countries around the world seek to reduce pollution in their bigger cities by reducing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles, as well as to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, more vehicle manufacturers are adding hybrid or fully electric cars to their product range. Hybrids are cars that carry a regular internal combustion engine coupled with an electric motor.

The Kia Niro is one of the new generations of hybrid cars now available in Barbados, and according to Sales Representative at Ansa Motors, Andrew Maingot, owners are pleased with the fact that since purchasing the car, their gas bills have gone down considerably.

“Hybrids are not the cheapest cars around, but in the long run, owners save money when they invest in one. For example, we have had some owners say they are only spending $150 in gas per month, which in a regular petrol-powered car would be the amount they spend in a week!”

He said unlike earlier hybrids, which tended to operate in full electric mode only at low speeds, with the conventional engine ‘kicking in’ at higher speeds, “The Niro is not speed conscious. Its internal computers decide when the car will go into hybrid or electric mode, based on driver input. For example, in traffic, it will operate in fully electric mode, as well as if cruising at a steady speed. For example, I drove at 70 km/h in fully electric mode, but of course, when you require more effort like going uphill, overtaking, or accelerating, then the car goes into hybrid mode. It all depends on the driver because the car has readouts determining the driving style and the average miles per gallon based on whether the car is being driven aggressively, economically, or in normal mode. Owners have reported getting as much as 60 miles per gallon.”

Hybrid cars actually tend to generate more horsepower than conventionally engined cars, as the electric motor augments the standard engine. For example, the standard 1.6-liter engine in the Niro is rated at 104 bhp, but with the electric motor, the combined total output is 139 bhp. The engine recharges the electric motor and it also features regenerative braking, so it goes into electric mode when the driver presses the brake pedal.

The Niro has all the luxury and safety features one would expect from a contemporary crossover vehicle; a type of car that is gradually replacing more conventional sedans and hatchbacks, owing to greater practicality and better visibility of the road. The features include dual automatic air-conditioning, power windows, LED tail and daytime running lights, a six-speed dual clutch transmission, a reversing camera, traction control, power steering, and hill start assist control. It also has an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat, push button start, a wireless charging system for your smartphone, and you can also sync your phone to the vehicle and operate all the apps on your phone through the car.

The Niro is currently on special at MQI, and a fully electric model is expected to arrive in Barbados at a later date.