Electric and hybrid vehicles continue to advance in performance and are positioning themselves daily as protagonists of the future of the automotive industry.
Here are some of the new tech features that are here to stay.
New in electric cars
When talking about this type of car, it is normal to think of the famous Tesla, the Californian brand led by Elon Musk. And it is not for less, since, during the first half of 2020, despite the fact that in these last few measures new rivals have appeared everywhere, the Tesla Model 3 takes the first position in the annual sales table at world level. If we analyze and section the data of electric cars sold by countries and months, the aforementioned model has accumulated a total of 149,000 units, 3.92 times more than its most immediate pursuer, the Renault Zoe, with 38,000 units sold.
Safety in the battery of these cars is another point in constant evolution. For the peace of mind of those who read us, these vehicles pass the same EuroNCAP safety tests as those with a combustion engine. Their batteries can overheat in extreme situations of high heat or technical failure, however, they pass several tests that prevent their combustion or explosion.
The first is vibration, which certifies the operation of the battery regardless of the terrain through which it is circulated; the second, subjecting the battery to sudden changes in temperature and keeping it running; third, it is checked whether in the event of an electrical failure, the battery resists without catching fire or exploding; the last test consists in subjecting the pile to a mechanical shock, that is, through an impact. This ensures the safety of vehicle occupants even if the battery is rendered useless.
Hybrids increase in popularity
Hybrid cars are part of the present, with some characteristics for and against that should be known.
Pros
- Fuel savings: since its mechanics require less force from the combustion engine.
- Tax advantages: by having the ECO label, they can circulate in areas with the active anti-pollution protocol or discounts on tolls or parking lots.
- Access to the urban center: this advantage is more important given the current global pandemic situation, which translates into greater restrictions on traffic in large cities.
Cons
- More useful in certain areas: specifically, in urban environments. On highways or non-urban traffic it works almost like a traditional combustion car.
- They continue to pollute: despite being cleaner, when the electric motor stops working it runs through the combustion engine.
- More expensive: it is still more expensive than a diesel or gasoline car, so you should think about the use that would be given to it and if the investment is profitable.