1.5.2012 Hybrid cars becoming more mainstream

The days when hybrid cars could be dismissed as a passing technical novelty are well and truly past: figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a steady rise in annual UK sales over the past five years.

From 2007 up to the end of the first quarter of this year, almost 100,000 hybrid vehicles have been sold in the UK, helping achieve a healthy saving in carbon emissions. Although Toyota, Lexus and Honda seem to be dominating the market, most mainstream car makers are, or have already developed a hybrid model to bring to market.

Toyota and Lexus alone have sold over 77,000 hybrid cars hybrid cars in the UK in the last 5 years, largely due to the success of the Prius. In terms of hybrid car's market share in the UK, the figures have almost doubled, from 0.7% to 1.3% so far in 2012 alone.

Most hybrid cars that are available in the UK have CO2 emissions that drop below the 100 g/km mark, qualifying them for congestion charge exemption in London and free VED road tax. With lower CO2, fuel economy is raised, which is likely to be responsible for larger sales volumes due to continuously rising fuel prices.

This year should see further impetus for even more drivers to make the switch, with four new hybrids being introduced by Toyota and Lexus. Toyota has downsized its hybrid technology so that it can fit into more of their models, with the introduction of Yaris Hybrid this summer, promising a class-best combination of emissions and efficiency without reducing the amount of space on board or in the boot.

At other end of the size scale, the summer will also mark the debut of Prius+ MPV, the first seven-seat full hybrid in Europe. The new range will also deliver CO2 emissions starting at less than 100 g/km, earning VED road tax and London congestion charge exemption.

Several manufacturers, in particular Peugeot and Citroen have been working on the world's first diesel hybrid cars, with the recent launch of Peugeot's 3008 and Citroen's DS5, both which share the same HYbrid4 drivetrain technology.

Plug-in hybrids are also beginning to enter the market, with the launch of the Prius Plug-in hybrid coming soon, with increased efficiency compared to the existing Toyota Prius. The arrival of two range-extended electric vehicle models is also imminent, which are essentially hybrids with both an electric motor and conventional engine used for propulsion. The Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt have already gathered significant interest and won several awards.

Jon Williams, Toyota President and Managing Director said: "The SMMT data show how the momentum for hybrid is increasing. Motorists appreciate its environmental performance, its reliability and ease of use, plus the smooth and refined driving quality.

"Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology is not just about the models we have launched and the new vehicles we are bringing to market this year. It also serves as a proven, flexible technology platform for creating different power trains – all-electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles – with which we will be able to develop and deliver sustainable transport with minimum environmental impact."

Newspress