In the Vietnamese market, hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity due to their fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and support for a green lifestyle. However, not all hybrid systems are created equal. This article aims to differentiate the types of hybrid engines currently available in Vietnam, featuring four prominent models: Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, Nissan Kicks e-POWER, BYD Sealion 6, and Honda HR-V e:HEV.
Toyota Corolla Cross HEV: Parallel Hybrid System
The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV utilizes a parallel hybrid system, combining a 1.8L gasoline engine with an electric motor and a hybrid battery. This setup allows the vehicle to be powered by either the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both, depending on driving conditions. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the operation of the gasoline engine, eliminating the need for external charging. This is Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
According to Toyota’s provided specifications, the Toyota Corrola Cross 1.8HV achieves fuel consumption rates of 4.5L/100km in the city, 3.7L/100km on highways, and a combined cycle of 4.2L/100km.
One drawback of this engine is that it tends to be noisier, resulting in higher cabin noise levels, which can be particularly noticeable when driving in mountainous areas.
Honda HR-V e:HEV: Multi-Mode Hybrid System
The Honda HR-V e:HEV features a multi-mode hybrid system, a technology developed by Honda, combining a 1.5L gasoline engine with a 105 horsepower motor and a 129 horsepower electric motor. An additional motor functions as a generator, providing power to the battery and the drive motor.
Honda HR-V e:HEV
This system automatically switches between three modes: EV (electric-only), Hybrid (gasoline engine generates power for the motor), and Engine Drive (gasoline engine directly drives the wheels), depending on driving conditions. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the operation of the gasoline engine, eliminating the need for external charging. This system delivers a smooth and highly fuel-efficient driving experience.
According to Honda, the HR-V e:HEV achieves fuel consumption rates of 4.66 L/100 km in the city, 4.32 L/100 km on highways, and a combined cycle of 4.44 L/100 km.
Nissan Kicks e-POWER: Series Hybrid System
The Nissan Kicks e-Power 2023 is marketed as an “electric car with a gasoline engine for self-charging.” Specifically, it features a 1.2L 3-cylinder gasoline engine, a 136 horsepower electric motor, a 2.06 kWh battery pack, and an automatic transmission. The gasoline engine is not connected to the drivetrain, and only the electric motor drives the front wheels. While the vehicle runs on the electric motor and battery like a typical electric car, it does not require external charging. Instead, the gasoline engine functions as a generator. Essentially, the Nissan Kicks e-Power 2023 is a series hybrid, with gasoline as the primary energy source, but it delivers an electric car-like driving experience. Moreover, its range is not limited by battery capacity thanks to the gasoline engine.
Nissan Kicks e-POWER
In addition to regenerative braking, the Nissan Kicks e-Power 2023 offers a one-pedal driving mode called e-Pedal Step. This not only simplifies the driving experience but also contributes to reduced fuel consumption.
According to Nissan, the Kicks achieves a fuel consumption rate of 6.1 liters/100 km on highways and 4.6 liters/100 km in combined driving. Notably, it is highly efficient in low-speed city driving, with a consumption rate of just 2.2L/100 km.
BYD Sealion 6: Plug-in Hybrid System
The BYD Sealion 6 employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, known as DM-i, developed by BYD. The Sealion 6 DM-i features a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 72 kW (96 hp) and 122 Nm of torque, coupled with a 145 kW (194 hp) electric motor that drives the front wheels. The electricity is supplied by a 18.3 kWh Blade Battery, offering an all-electric range of approximately 100 km. Both the gasoline engine and the electric motor transmit power to the wheels through a single-speed transmission with a clutch for the gasoline engine at high speeds.
BYD Sealion 6
DM-i Operating Principles
The DM-i technology is designed with the philosophy of “electric first, gasoline second,” setting it apart from many traditional PHEV systems. It operates through three main modes:
Pure EV Mode: When the battery is fully charged, the vehicle runs solely on the electric motor, with the gasoline engine turned off. This mode is ideal for city driving, offering an electric range of up to 100 km. The maximum speed in this mode is 130 km/h.
HEV Series Mode: When the battery’s State of Charge (SOC) drops below a certain level (typically around 25%), the gasoline engine starts to function as a generator, charging the battery and supplying power to the electric motor. The electric motor remains the primary source of propulsion.
HEV Parallel Mode: At high speeds or when rapid acceleration is needed, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor directly transmit power to the wheels.
Regenerative braking is also integrated into the system, recovering energy during deceleration to increase the battery’s SOC and prolong electric driving.
Highlight of DM-i Technology
According to BYD, the Sealion 6 achieves a fuel consumption rate of just 1.1L/100 km (Dynamic) when the battery is full and approximately 4.8L/100 km when the battery is depleted. With a 60-liter fuel tank and a full battery, the total range exceeds 1,200 km. The vehicle can be charged from an external power source (AC 6.6 kW or DC 18 kW) or rely on the gasoline engine for self-charging.
Thus, with DM-i technology, the BYD Sealion 6 performs like an EV in urban areas, offers the long-distance capabilities of a traditional gasoline car, and eliminates range anxiety associated with pure electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Each hybrid system has its unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different needs and usage conditions. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV and Honda HR-V e:HEV are ideal for those seeking well-established brands, good resale value, fuel efficiency, and smooth performance without the need for external charging. The Nissan Kicks e-POWER delivers an electric car-like driving experience (mainly at low speeds) without the reliance on charging infrastructure. The BYD Sealion 6, with its more powerful electric motor and larger battery, suits those who want to enjoy the benefits of both electric and gasoline vehicles, especially on long-distance journeys.
Choosing the right hybrid system will help optimize performance and reduce operating costs while maintaining the convenience of a traditional car.
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