Info Nugget
Mild Hybrid and Strong Hybrid Vehicles
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Advertisement
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Based on the degree of hybridisation, these vehicles are categorised into mild hybrids, strong hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Among them, mild and strong hybrids are increasingly relevant in the context of India’s energy security, emission targets and green mobility push.
Mild hybrid
- Definition: A mild hybrid vehicle uses an electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot power the vehicle on its own.
- Power source: Primarily relies on the ICE; the electric motor offers support during acceleration or while restarting after stopping.
- Battery: Small-capacity battery (typically 48V), recharged through regenerative braking.
- Functionality: Engine start-stop system; regenerative braking; torque assist
- Fuel savings: Moderate (approx. 10-15% fuel efficiency improvement)
- Cost: Cheaper than full hybrids
- Example: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Smart Hybrid
Full Hybrid (Also called Strong Hybrid)
- Definition: A full hybrid can run on the ICE, the electric motor, or both, depending on driving conditions.
- Power source: Can operate in three modes—electric-only, ICE-only or combined.
- Battery: Larger capacity battery (typically 1–2 kWh); self-charging via regenerative braking and engine.
- Functionality: EV mode (zero-emission driving at low speeds); greater torque assist; enhanced regenerative braking
- Fuel savings: Higher (approx. 20-40% fuel efficiency improvement)
- Cost: More expensive than mild hybrids
- Example: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Hybrid variant)
Key differences at a glance
Feature | Mild Hybrid | Full Hybrid |
Electric Motor Role | Assists ICE only | Can drive vehicle independently |
EV-Only Mode | Not possible | Possible |
Battery Size | Small (up to 48V) | Larger (1-2 kWh or more) |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Fuel Efficiency Gain | Moderate | Significant |
Emission Reduction | Limited | Substantial |
Relevance to India
- India’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme initially prioritised electric vehicles but is now also considering hybrids as a transitional technology.
- Full hybrids align better with India’s urban stop-and-go traffic, offering higher emission reductions.
- Mild hybrids are more affordable and easier to adopt in the short term.
Practice Questions
Short answer questions (2-3 marks)
- What is a mild hybrid vehicle?
- State one key difference between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid.
- Name one Indian car model that uses mild hybrid technology.
Long answer questions (10-15 marks)
- Discuss the difference between mild and full hybrid vehicles with examples.
- Explain the role of hybrid vehicles in reducing India’s dependency on fossil fuels.
Analytical questions (15-20 marks)
- “Mild hybrids are a stepping stone, but full hybrids are the real game-changers.” Examine this statement in the context of India’s push for green mobility.
- Evaluate the pros and cons of adopting hybrid vehicle technology in India from an economic and environmental perspective.
- Compare mild, full, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. How can policy incentives be optimized to encourage a smoother transition to cleaner transport?
Advertisement
Advertisement