YOUR INTRO TO HYBRID
There’s a few different hybrid systems - we'll explain the benefits to help you make the choice that’s right for you.
All hybrids have a conventional petrol or diesel engine, as well as an electric motor that is battery-powered. The electric motor works together with the petrol or diesel engine to help reduce fuel usage and minimise harmful CO2 emissions. There are numerous different hybrid types, which can be confusing for the uninitiated, but hopefully we can give you more information to help you find the right hybrid car for you.
Self-charging hybrids have a battery-powered electric motor, which supports the engine during take-off and acceleration.
Some self-charging ‘full’ hybrids can drive using only the electric motor, for short distances at low speeds. In self-charging hybrids, the battery is charged by recovering energy that would normally be lost during braking and deceleration, and does not need to be plugged in to charge.
PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES (PHEVS)
Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are similar to conventional hybrids in that they have both an electric motor and internal combustion engine, except PHEVs have larger batteries that can be charged by plugging the vehicle into either a regular domestic power socket, a private wallbox installed at home, or a public charging point.
Due to the larger battery size, PHEVs can travel several miles using only the electric motor, for example the Suzuki Across PHEV has one of the longest electric-only driving ranges of any Plug-In Hybrid, being able to cover up to 46 miles on zero emission electric only power.
Wondering what the benefits of Suzuki Hybrid technology means for you? Look no further.
The big plus of the Suzuki hybrid system is that it can lead to a significant improvement in your car’s efficiency as much as a 20% boost to fuel economy based on the official WLTP combined fuel consumption figures, compared to previous non-hybrid Suzuki petrol models. You'll get all of this without having to change the way you drive at all.
Also, most of our cars are self charging hybrids so you don't have to worry about everything that comes with charging a hybrid.
Full Hybrid - uses both a combustion engine and an electric motor to power the car, either simultaneously or independently.
Integrated starter generator (ISG) - Replaces the conventional starter motor and the alternator. It helps start your car using electricity, which saves fuel.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - Has a normal combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor. This means it has capability to run purely on electricity, but has the reassurance of a conventional engine when needed.
Regenerative Braking - is an energy recovery mechanism which uses kinetic energy lost during deceleration to charge the vehicle’s battery.
Self-charging Hybrid - run on petrol or diesel, but also have a battery-powered electric motor which supports the engine and is charged through regenerative braking.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) - Regulations used to determine the environmental performance data of a car.