The new Nexon will offer different colour schemes for the cabin depending on the variant and exterior shade
The Tata Nexon facelift has finally been unveiled ahead of the market launch later this September. Apart from the price, Tata has released almost all the information about the specifications and features of the subcompact SUV, including its colour options. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Fearless Purple
Creative Ocean
Pure Grey
Flame Red
Daytona Grey
Pristine White
Almost all the colours shown above have a dual-tone finish with black roof except for Creative Ocean that sports a grey roof and Pure Grey which seems monotone.
Tata has announced that the new Nexon will offer different coloured cabin schemes depending on the variant and exterior shade. In its debut spec with the purple exterior, the interior is finished in a combination of black and purple.
For more details about the Tata Nexon facelift, its features and powertrains, you can check out our unveil story.
Expected Price & Rivals
With all the updates, we believe that the 2023 Tata Nexon could charge a premium over the outgoing model, especially in the higher variants, but maintain a starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue its rivalry with the likes of Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.
Camper vans are a unique and practical option, offering many of the features found in larger RVs but in a more convenient size that can be parked anywhere. There is a wide range of camper conversions available, from DIY projects to professionally built conversions like this Dodge Ram Van.
Currently up for sale on the auction site Cars & Bids is a 1996 Dodge Ram Van B3500 that has been converted into a pop-top camper. The conversion work was done by Sportsmobile, a company with over 60 years of specialization in van conversions. What sets this particular van apart is that it is rust-free, which is a rarity for third-generation Ram vans produced between 1993 and 2003. It has spent most of its life in Texas and has only covered 47,000 miles.
Remote control (RC) cars are miniature versions of actual vehicles that provide automotive fun on a smaller scale. A video showcases the impressive off-road capabilities of these pint-sized machines during an off-road event.
At first glance, it’s hard to distinguish these RC models from the real ones. The video starts with a Jeep Commanche crawling over rocks and wood beams. There’s also a Traxxas Sport pickup truck and an original Land Rover Range Rover, both covered in dirt and mud, just like their full-sized counterparts.
The highlight of the video is a Lada Niva RC SUV maneuvering through various terrains, equipped with recovery boards and miniature off-road gear on the roof. The driver skillfully controls the tiny vehicle, navigating a narrow path on wood beams and conquering large, loose rocks. The suspension articulation and the tires struggling for grip are clearly visible, demonstrating the impressive performance of these RC rock crawlers. And unlike a real SUV, if the miniature Niva tips over, it’s as simple as picking it up and continuing the off-roading adventure.
After showcasing the Niva, the video features other vehicles, including several Land Rover Defenders and Jeep Wranglers. One of the Defenders even has fake exhaust pipes producing smoke, adding to the scale realism. There’s even a Jeep Wrangler with an action figure seated in the driver’s seat, adding a touch of playfulness to the off-road experience.
RC enthusiasts have a wide range of off-road-ready vehicles to choose from, although they can be quite expensive. For example, a previous video covered a five-axle low-loader semi-trailer RC model with a price tag of approximately $6,000. Similarly, there are options like the Kabolite Liebherr 350 excavator priced at around $3,450 or the LESU Liebherr loader costing about $2,885.
Other options for RC enthusiasts include models like the three-axle, six-wheeled Unimog, although it’s worth noting that some offerings may have been discontinued by the manufacturers.
The ongoing rivalry between Porsche and BMW never fails to capture our attention. These two German automakers produce some of the most impressive high-performance vehicles available, and it’s always fascinating to see how they stack up against each other on a drag strip. In a recent adrenaline-pumping showdown, two of their hottest and most powerful sports cars met on the track.
The latest video from Carwow, which you can watch above, pits the Porsche 911 GT3 RS against the BMW M3 CS. While these two cars differ in various aspects, their track performance turns out to be remarkably similar, resulting in an incredibly tight race. Now, let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
Electric vehicles offer a driving range of 250-300 miles on average, with some models exceeding 500 miles per charge.
The driving range of an electric car is influenced by factors such as driving habits, speed, weather, and charging method.
Electric cars now come in various vehicle classes and offer features like passenger room, towing capabilities, advanced electronics, and safety features.
Driving an electric car is a completely different experience from driving a gas or diesel-powered vehicle. EVs require electricity to run, include fancy new features like regenerative braking, and expel zero emissions into the atmosphere. Electric vehicles are becoming the future of driving, and as they become more mainstream, we’re learning more about what it means to own an EV.
When you transition from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric car, some questions arise that you must answer. Are you within range of a charging station, and how well does that charging station work? How much will it cost to install an electric charging station in your home? Can you use all-electric chargers?
Using information from U.S. News & World Report, J.D. Power, and MyEV.com, we’ve got ten things everyone should know before owning an electric car. This should give you a better idea regarding your readiness to drive a car powered only by electricity.
Current electric vehicles offer 250-300 miles of driving range on average. This applies to new models entering the market, with only a few exceptions. Tesla offers a full lineup of EVs with over 300 miles of driving range, and the Lucid Air sets the record with over 500 miles per charge. New models are entering the market each year with greater driving ranges than ever before. The new GMC Sierra EV is rated at 400 miles, which makes it a long-range electric truck.
EV Driving Range Is Impacted By Several Factors
Your new electric vehicle might be rated at 300 miles of driving range, but that’s not always what you’ll get out of your EV. Factors including driving habits, speed, weather, and interior climate settings can reduce the driving range. Additionally, when you recharge using a public DC Fast-Charging station, you can only charge to 80% of full capacity, which means 240 miles for the 300-mile EV.
2Does The Electric Car Have Useful Features?
Leo Nguyen via Wikimedia Commons
The earliest electric cars were small, offered minimal driving range, and weren’t meant for much more than daily commutes. The only exception was the Tesla Model S, which changed the market with upscale technology and room for more passengers. Today, electric vehicles are offered in almost every vehicle class.
Your EV Should Include:
Enough passenger room for the whole family
Vehicle-class capabilities (trucks show tow, SUVs should have ample cargo room)
Advanced modern electronics
A full slate of safety features
These are only a few of the items your EV must have to make it useful. Can you take your kids to school in the EV? Is this electric car good for carrying sporting equipment, strollers, or bringing a load of hardware home from the store?
Electric vehicles have advanced quickly because of the at-home charging capabilities offered. The infrastructure of public chargers is struggling to become plentiful enough for the millions of EVs hitting the market, but most new EV owners are installing at-home charging stations to handle most of their charging needs.
Public Charging Stations Are Growing
Eventually, public DC Fast-Charging stations should be located no more than 50 miles apart on highways and become as plentiful as gas stations in urban areas. Still, the time it takes to recharge means you’ll spend more time plugged in than you would filling a gas tank. If you’re thinking about EV ownership, you’ll want to locate the charging stations in your area before you buy the vehicle.
4How Much Will An At-Home Charger Cost?
Volvo
Many automakers offer to cover the cost of an at-home charger and its installation when you purchase an electric car. There is a catch to this: although this charger enables you to enjoy 240-volt Level 2 charging capabilities, you must have the 240-volt outlet present for the at-home charger to be plugged into it.
Cost to Install 240-Volt Plug
Side of House – $1,738
Detached Garage Location – $6,920
Inside Garage – $2,150
Attached Garage – $3,796
Townhouse Parking Space – $4,450
Townhouse With HOA – $3,850
These installation figures are based on a Cars.com study of six different home situations, which shows that adding an at-home charger isn’t free. Many automakers cover the cost of the charger and the service visit to plug in the charger to the 240-volt outlet. Homeowners must cover the cost of installing this added plug, which runs on the same power as a typical clothes dryer.
Currently, the Inflation Reduction Act includes language that provides a one-time Federal EV Tax Credit of up to $7,500. Not all electric vehicles qualify for this tax credit, and restrictions and regulations are only getting more difficult for automakers to ensure their EVs qualify for this credit.
Are There Price Restrictions On The Tax Credit?
SUVs and pickup trucks priced $80,000 or less can qualify for up to $7,500, while electric cars have a $55,000 MSRP ceiling to qualify. This means most EVs from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are unlikely to quality. Additionally, the language says “up to,” which means new owners must owe at least $7,500 in federal taxes to take advantage of the full tax credit. Some states also offer tax credits when owners purchase EVs or PHEVs.
6How Long Should I Expect To Own An Electric Car?
GMC
EV batteries lose range over time because of reduced capacity from continuous usage and charging. Much like a smartphone, the batteries will eventually wear out. Most automakers cover the battery cells for eight years or 100,000 miles, which could be enough coverage for many owners to enjoy EV driving.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An EV Battery?
An EV battery pack is the most expensive component to replace, much like the engine block and transmission of a traditional ICE vehicle. Typically, replacing the EV battery costs between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on the model. Battery pack replacement costs could become a serious issue when more EVs enter the used car market or are returned after the initial lease term, but shouldn’t be a longstanding issue for most new EV owners.
Most electric cars include the most advanced safety systems, have fewer moving parts, and could be safer than ICE vehicles. Still, the average cost to insure an electric car is 21% higher than the average for gas-powered vehicles. This increased cost is related to the cost of repairs, especially if the battery pack becomes damaged.
Insurance Costs More, But Maintenance Costs Less
It might cost a lot to replace an EV battery pack, and insurance premiums are significantly higher for EVs than ICE vehicles, but maintenance costs are much less. Electric cars have fewer moving parts and don’t require as many fluids to operate as ICE vehicles. This means fewer trips to the dealership for regular maintenance and less time with the car at the repair shop.
8Will I Still Need An ICE Vehicle As A Backup?
Automakers continue to discover new ways to add more driving range to electric cars, with solid-state batteries expected to be the next big thing. If Toyota meets its goal of offering 745 miles of EV driving range in an affordable manner, these new batteries could change the game entirely. Currently, driving range limitations and the 80% rule for Level 3 DC Fast-Charging stations severely limit using EVs for long road trips.
What’s The Right Alternative For Road Trips?
Most EVs offer ample driving range for daily commutes and overnight charging but aren’t great for road trips with the family. No matter how much you ask for patience, it’s difficult for kids to understand the need to stop and wait for batteries to charge. A good alternative for road trips is a hybrid-powered vehicle or an ICE model.
Electric vehicles are much more expensive than ICE models. The average new gas-powered vehicle costs $48,000, while the average EV costs $66,000. This is a significant difference and can be difficult for some drivers to fit into their budgets. In this case, a used EV could be the right answer. In fact, the Federal EV Tax Credit is offered for used vehicles and offers up to $4,000 in credits.
Could Leasing Be The Right Option?
Another option, and a great way to save some money in monthly payment costs, is to lease an electric vehicle. A lease doesn’t allow owners to take advantage of the Federal EV Tax Credit but can save drivers money in monthly payment costs and enable them to upgrade to a new model every three or four years. With the speed of technology, this could be a fantastic way for drivers to enjoy the benefits of an electric car.
10What Should I Know About EV Maintenance?
Nissan
Overall, electric cars require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. The friction brakes last longer because all EVs are equipped with regenerative braking to assist with stopping the car. An EV’s battery and motor can last longer than the life of the car in some cases. The long warranty coverage could cover battery replacement when this system fails.
How Much Does it Cost To Refuel An EV?
The cost of electricity varies from one state to another but is typically much cheaper than gas vehicles. In almost all cases, charging an electric car at home is much more affordable than using public chargers. Some automakers still offer free charging for a limited time at specific chargers, but this could end soon. Overall, it’s much more affordable to charge an electric vehicle than to drive a gas or diesel-powered car.
The Global NCAP will continue to offer support and the technical know-how to the Bharat NCAP authorities
Bharat NCAP will start testing cars from October 1, 2023.
Global NCAP, started in 2011, launched a #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014.
It has crash tested over 50 models so far, assigning scores ranging between 0 and full 5 stars.
Commendable performers include the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Punch and Skoda Kushaq.
We are sure every Indian, in the recent time, is brimming with pride as our country unlocked two important historical landmarks: Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the southern side of the moon (a world record) and the launch of Bharat NCAP (new car assessment program). Success in both the fields have been possible due to the technological advancements made in the respective industries.
Focussing on earthly progress, the Bharat NCAP is based on similar standards and protocols followed by the Global NCAP. As such, the global agency has shown its faith in the new Indian vehicle safety program by deciding to stop crash testing India-specific models starting 2024. The BNCAP will award safety ratings to every model sold specifically in our country, helping buyers pick the safest car perceivable to them.
What Led Global NCAP To This Decision?
In an interview with ET Auto, David Ward, executive president at Global NCAP, said, “There may be another 10 models that we’ve got in the pipeline but that will be it. We absolutely don’t want to be seen as a rival programme to Bharat NCAP. It’d be very confusing to the consumer, and it doesn’t serve anybody’s interests.”
Our collaboration with the global safety authority won’t stop entirely though, as the international organisation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT), which is the technical secretariat to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). As part of the MoU, Global NCAP will continue to offer support and technical know-how to the Bharat NCAP authorities.
Although Global NCAP came into effect in 2011, it started the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014, which began safety assessments of cars sold in India to address the high number of fatalities resulting from road accidents each year in the country. It has crash tested more than 50 models so far, with scores ranging from as low as 0 to a full 5-star rating. While the first batch of results were quite worrying, it motivated mass-market car brands to step up and strive for the highest safety ratings.
Unsubscribing from newsletters and promotional emails is often an option provided within the email itself. Look for a clickable link at the end of the message, usually in smaller font, although it can be easy to miss. In some cases, the unsubscribe link may be cleverly hidden within a disclaimer paragraph, so be sure to read through the last few blocks of text and look for phrases like “click here to unsubscribe.” For visually-oriented emails, the unsubscribe option may be located in the footer, along with other website links.
When using a desktop computer, certain email service providers can detect if an email is sent through a mailing list or if it includes an unsubscribe link. If detected, the option will conveniently be brought to the top of the page, making it easy to click and stop receiving future promotional emails.
Jam Kotenko/SlashGear
On Gmail, the “Unsubscribe” link is located next to the sender’s email address in an open message. Clicking on it may bring up an Unsubscribe pop-up on your screen, where you will need to verify the action. You may then be redirected to the sender’s website to unsubscribe or modify your email preferences.
Jam Kotenko
In Microsoft Outlook, a message that says, “Getting too much email?” may appear at the top of marketing messages, along with the “Unsubscribe” link. If you use the built-in Mail app on your iPhone or iPad, an “Unsubscribe” link will be displayed at the top of messages detected to be from a mailing list.
Vauxhall is introducing a new five-year PCP offer on its electric passenger car models – Astra Electric, New Corsa Electric, and Mokka Electric.
This unique offer allows customers to spread their payments over a longer period, making electric vehicles more accessible.
Customers can also take advantage of a special Finance Deposit Contribution on pre-facelift Corsa Electric models, while stocks last.
Vauxhall’s ‘Plug and Go’ offer enables customers to spread the cost of a home wallbox across their vehicle agreement.
Vauxhall plans to become an electric-only brand by 2028.
Vauxhall has introduced a new five-year Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offer for its core electric passenger car models – Astra Electric, New Corsa Electric, and Mokka Electric. This offer allows customers to spread their payments over a longer period, making electric vehicles more accessible. James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, stated that this offer is unique among manufacturers.
The offer is available with a representative APR of 9.9%. In addition, customers can take advantage of an additional £4,500 Finance Deposit Contribution on pre-facelift Corsa Electric models, while stocks last. By placing a deposit of £1,788, customers can expect monthly payments starting from £449 per month for the GS variant.
Vauxhall’s ‘Plug and Go’ offer allows customers to choose a wallbox and spread the cost across the length of their vehicle finance agreement. This offer is available with Vauxhall’s three approved national suppliers. The ‘Plug and Go’ offer also includes additional benefits such as eight years of roadside assistance, an eight-year battery warranty, and an Octopus Electroverse card that provides access to over 500,000 chargers across the UK and Europe.
The five-year PCP offer can be accessed through the Vauxhall Online Store, where customers can configure their vehicle, obtain a part-exchange valuation, and place an order from the comfort of their home. Alternatively, customers can visit their local Vauxhall Retailer.
Vauxhall is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the Astra Electric. By 2024, Vauxhall plans to offer an electric variant across its entire vehicle lineup and become an electric-only brand by 2028, which is seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline.
Representative examples:
Pre-facelift Corsa Electric with enhanced deposit contribution:
Cruiser motorcycles in 2023 offer a compelling blend of classic American-inspired design and modern interpretations, providing excellent value through their low seats, relaxed riding positions, and powerful engines. These bikes remain highly popular, driving major manufacturers to invest significantly in further innovating their cruiser lineups, including embracing new technology to better suit the preferences of today’s riders.
Despite the vast array of capable and competitively priced options, the sheer variety of available makes and models can make selecting a cruiser a daunting task for potential buyers. To make that task easier, we have listed 10 new cruisers that offer great value.
Kawasaki, renowned for its sporty Ninjas, has also gained recognition for producing good cruisers, such as the Vulcan S. It has a decent 649 cc, liquid cooled parallel-twin engine similar to the Ninja 650, but offers greater performance at lower rpm and ample acceleration with low-to mid-range torque suitable for cruising.
The Vulcan S ensures perfect fit for riders of all sizes through the exclusive Ergo-Fit sizing system, which provides 18 possible configurations between reduced reach, mid-reach, and extended reach. Kawasaki also borrows the chassis and suspension from its sport bikes to ensure light and responsive handling for easy maneuvering, and add a sporty feel to this cruiser.
Pros
Varied sizing options
Easily maneuverable
Cons
Small pillion seat
Bog-standard indicators
9Honda Rebel 500
Honda
The 2023 Honda lineup features the perpetual favorite Rebel 500, which stays true to the Rebel family’s style with its signature blacked-out aesthetic, a low seating position, manageable weight and versatile ergonomics. Honda’s commitment to a rider friendly experience is further evident in the bike’s comfortable handlebars and suitable riding position, to complement its 471cc parallel-twin engine which delivers a well-balanced performance with 40.8 horsepower at 7,900 rpm. The Rebel 500 also boasts modern features like full LED lighting and a slipper/assist clutch, making it a top choice among entry level cruisers.
Royal Enfield has a long history of continuous production since 1901, and their latest flagship model is the Super Meteor 650. The motorcycle features a twin-cylinder motor that has been in use since 2018, and it remains a standout feature for its seamless gear transitions, strong low-end acceleration, and effortless throttle response from the 648cc engine. While it may not boast the high power of larger bikes, it utilizes Bosch-supplied injection and engine management, enabling smooth power at an economical speed, thus making it ideal for long rides.
Further, the Super Meteor’s state-of-the-art chassis was a joint effort with UK-based motorcycle racing and parts manufacturer, Harris Performance, which prioritizes a low center of gravity and ensures easy maneuverability for riders of all skill levels.
Pros
Suitable for long rides
Strong body
Smooth power delivery
Cons
Not-so-accessible USB port
Heavy weight
7Honda Shadow Phantom
Honda
The Honda Shadow Phantom is a motorcycle designed to make a bold statement, attracting attention with its all-black theme, which covers the engine, rims, frame, fork, headlight, seat, and tank. The tank-mounted instruments add to its unique look, housed in a blacked-out pod that combines a traditional feel with modern design.
Equipped with a pullback handlebar, low center of gravity, and rider-friendly seat height, the Shadow Phantom ensures a comfortable riding experience that matches its confident demeanor. Under the sleek and aggressive Japanese-styled exterior, the motorcycle features a liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin engine paired with a 5-speed transmission, delivering smooth and reliable power to the rear wheel in a fuel efficient manner.
The Bolt R-Spec is Yamaha’s versatile bobber, equipped with the 942 cc V-twin engine churning out 65 horsepower and superior low-end torque, delivering a fun riding experience. It’s stripped down styling invites customization, and a high tank, classic solo seat, and short wheelbase exude simplicity. While the slim bodywork, blacked-out engine, and exhaust give it a rugged profile.
With its double cradle frame and relatively low weight of 542 pounds, this cruiser is easy to handle, even in city corners. And for long rides, the low seat height and forward mounted foot pegs ensure a relaxed and comfortable riding position.
Pros
Classic style
Easy handling
Versatile
Cons
Solo seat
Small fuel tank
Below par top speed
5Suzuki Boulevard C50
Suzuki
The 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a modernized classic powered by an 805cc engine that retains the charm of traditional cruisers. It boasts new preload adjustable rear suspension, providing a customizable riding experience for optimal comfort and handling, while the spoke chrome wheels add a touch of elegance to its design. With a comfortable seat height of 27.6 inches, the Boulevard C50 ensures a relaxing ride, making it an excellent choice for both leisurely cruises and extended tours. For touring enthusiasts, the C50T package offers attractive upgrades, including a tall windshield for wind protection and leather saddlebags.
Kawasaki introduced the Eliminator name with the ZL900 in 1985, which featured a unique concept of fitting a sport bike engine into a cruiser chassis. Unlike the older ones, the 2023 Eliminator uses a less powerful 48 horsepower twin engine to compete in the growing entry-level cruising segment. Similar to its competitor, Honda Rebel 500, it utilizes a light steel-tube frame and a twin-shock rear end, but distinguishes itself with a more conventional appearance, thanks to the combination of an 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel.
The SE version of the Eliminator brings a pleasant surprise with its tech features. While GPS and a USB-C socket come as expected, the standout additions are the front and rear cameras integrated into a ride-recording system, allowing riders to capture their journeys.
Pros
High-tech features
Light weight
Sporty cruising performance
Cons
Insufficient power
Higher in-category price
3Harley-Davidson Nightster
Harley-Davidson
The 2023 Nightster, dubbed as “Lean and Mean” by Harley-Davidson, evolves the Sportster legacy into a nimble handling and confidence inspiring ride for both experienced and new bikers. Breaking conventions, the bike adopts a setup with the powertrain as the stressed member, which lowers its weight and yields a super stiff chassis. And, the Nightster’s Revolution Max 975 engine, tuned for tremendous low rpm torque, ensures robust power through the mid-range.
The Nightster Special variant offers advanced technology, in the form of three distinct ride modes – sport, road, and rain, to tackle several conditions, along with ABS, traction control, cruise control and a 4-inch analog display with infotainment features.
Indian Scout is an iconic motorcycle that has lived for over a century, with the first released model dating back to 1920. Coming to 2023, it has seen many innovations, while the fundamentals have remained the same. The engine, headlights, fenders, and wheels, all take inspiration from the original Scout, but the latest Scout Sixty offers more technology and capability. Its liquid-cooled 60-cubic-inch (999 cc) engine along with electronic fuel injection delivers class leading horsepower and torque, and a lightweight design and low center of gravity, allows all riders to throw their leg over it with confidence. There’s a huge variety of available accessories too, from horsepower upgrades to larger seats, mirrors, and even bags and fairings for longer rides.
Pros
Iconic motorcycle model
Powerful engine
Lightweight frame
Cons
Issues with clutch cable
Leaking engine gaskets
Soft suspension
1Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
Harley-Davidson
The core essence of the Softail Standard lies in the sheer joy of riding, without fixating on unnecessary technology. To allow riders to revel in the authenticity of its original features, the Softail Standard incorporates an LED Daymaker headlight, accessible mini-ape bars, chrome accents, and a tuck-and-roll saddle. Further, its minimalist bobber style offers a blank canvas for personalized customizations, making it particularly appealing to artistic bikers.
Built for smooth city cruising or light touring, this cruiser features the potent Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine celebrated for its seamless performance, boasting 86 horsepower, responsive throttle control, and the iconic signature sound unique to Harley-Davidson.
Mild hybrid vehicles offer a seamless transition for those hesitant to switch from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles, providing a similar driving experience while still incorporating a motor.
Mild hybrid vehicles have smaller batteries and less powerful motors compared to full hybrid vehicles, relying on the engine for propulsion and unable to offer an all-electric range.
Mild hybrid vehicles are more affordable than electric and full hybrid vehicles, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on fuel costs while still enjoying some of the benefits of hybrid technology.
The automotive industry is rapidly transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicles. This shift is driven by various factors such as environmental consciousness, changing trends, and more. With recent technological advancements, motor-operated vehicles have gained impressive speeds and power, becoming a reality sooner than expected. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles now outperform gasoline vehicles in various aspects.
While hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were introduced to facilitate a seamless transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, not many people are aware of mild hybrid vehicles. Mild hybrid technology was introduced by Toyota in 2001 and offers a unique driving experience. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about mild hybrid vehicles:
1Not Too Different From Pure ICE Cars
Mild hybrid vehicles provide an ideal transition for those finding it difficult to switch from gasoline vehicles to motor-operated vehicles. While they have a motor attached to the engine, the driving experience remains similar to traditional gasoline vehicles.
2Boasts Smaller Battery And Less Powerful Motors Compared To Full Hybrid Vehicles
Mild hybrid vehicles have smaller batteries and less powerful motors compared to full hybrid vehicles. They rely on the engine for propulsion and cannot operate solely on electric power.
3No “All-electric Range”
Mild hybrid vehicles do not offer an all-electric range. While they provide better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicles, they still rely on the engine for propulsion.
4Cheaper Than Full Hybrids
Mild hybrid vehicles are more affordable than electric and full hybrid vehicles. This makes them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on fuel costs while still enjoying some of the benefits of hybrid technology.
5Fuel Efficiency Cannot Match That Of Full Hybrids
Mild hybrid vehicles cannot match the fuel efficiency of full hybrid vehicles. Full hybrids have larger batteries and can rely more on electric power for propulsion, resulting in better fuel economy.
6Mild Hybrid Vehicles Are “Low Emission”; Not “Zero Emission”
Mild hybrid vehicles are considered low emission vehicles, but they are not zero-emission vehicles. Unlike full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids cannot run entirely on electric power and still produce emissions.
7Regenerative Braking Is Nearly Non-Existent
Mild hybrid vehicles have limited regenerative braking capabilities. The smaller batteries in mild hybrids cannot store as much energy from regenerative braking as full hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
8There Are More MHEVs Around Than We Realize
Mild hybrid vehicles are more popular than many people realize. Renowned brands like BMW, Volvo, Chevy, Honda, and General Motors have mild hybrid vehicles in their lineup. Many Ram trucks, Jeep SUVs, and Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo models also feature mild hybrid technology.
9There Is No “Plug-in” Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrid vehicles do not have a plug-in feature. The smaller battery and auxiliary function of mild hybrids do not support plug-in capabilities.
10Has The Unique Start-Stop Feature
Mild hybrid vehicles often have an automatic start-stop feature. This means the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel, and restarts when it’s time to move again. This feature contributes to fuel savings over time.
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