THE HYBRID COMPROMISE

Firstly, thanks for the great motoring entertainment during my 40 years of subscription. I have a keen interest in anything motoring or technical, and the concept of hybrid vehicles is no exception. I believe we do not achieve much with regard to pure electric vehicles in this country as they are powered by coalfired power stations. More to the point is the concept of hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla hybrid. As a reference, CAR magazine tested the Corolla Cross in the March 2022 issue. Facts in your report to keep in mind are as follows:

a. The 1,8-litre motor in the Corolla Cross hybrid develops 72 kw, augmented by 53 kw of electric power.

b. Torque developed is 142 N.m, augmented by 163 N.m of electric power.

c. The fuel tank has a capacity

of 36 litres.

d. It has an estimated tank range of 698 km on the 36-litre tank.

e. The 1,8-litre engine, on its own without help from the electric motor, develops less power than many 1,5-litre cars; the Mazda 2 is an example with 85 kw and 148 N.m.

I lamented the small tank capacity to a friend who works for Toyota, and he replied the small tank does not matter as the car is so frugal on fuel. This all seems wonderful but here are my questions based on some assumptions, which are subject to correction.

1. I assume the electric motor is available only as long as it is regularly charged (not a difficult assumption to make).

2. If you travel from George to Bloemfontein in a Corolla Cross hybrid, with a headwind in the mix, the battery will take a beating when negotiating the mountainous terrain for the first part of the journey. Next is the probability the battery will not charge at all for a few hours as power will be required to maintain the national speed limit of 120 km/h, even on downhills.

3. Surely, and eventually, you will be travelling with a vehicle developing only 72 kw and 142 N.m as the electric motor will not be available, with the associated limited performance, and the fuel consumption will increase to at least 7,0 litres/100 km, if not more (possibly heavier on fuel than the Kia Sorento 2,2 CRDI SXL AWD in your long-term test). Suddenly, the 700 km range is reduced to 500 km, if not less.

4. This means you will be travelling in an underpowered vehicle with a limited tank range, which is far less than advertised.

5. If these assumptions are correct, the concept of hybrid vehicles is not so attractive anymore, unless the Corolla Cross is used purely in the city and surrounds.

STEVE BEKKER

Via email

[Steve, thank you for your thoughts on the compromises of hybridisation. Although the fuel tank is just 36 litres in size

(to allow room for the hybrid

battery), realistically, this results in a fairly short range between fillups. It’s worth noting the Corolla Cross battery is tiny at 1,13 kwh when compared to those found in pure EVS. The BMW ix3 tested on page 62 has an 80 kwh battery.

When it comes to hybrids, buyers must consider how they will use the vehicle. Around town, it makes sense, but out on the open road, over long distances, it’s difficult to see the benefits. There’s a good reason why most of our hardworking high-mileage trucks, bakkies and vans are still purely ICE powered – editor.]