BMW: Five models
BMW, believe it or not actually has quite a few hybrid cars in its line-up. The most noticeable two, without a doubt is the i8 sports car and the i3 city car. The BMW i8 uses an electric motor and a small capacity turbocharged petrol engine which when combined with its electric motor produces 266kW/570Nm. The i3 is predominantly electric but can also be fitted with a range extender. However, before these cars hit the showrooms BMW offered the 3 and 5 Series ActiveHybrid range which used energy from braking to charge the on board batteries. More recently the BMW X5 xDrive40e has joined the line up as the first SUV hybrid offered by the brand. It uses the same set-up as in the i8.
Mercedes-Benz: One model (for now)
This German car maker might not have the biggest variety of hybrid cars available in South Africa at the moment but the S400 Hybrid does seem to make up for it. The S400 blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment and appointments of the S-Class. It makes use of a 3.5-litre petrol engine as well as an electric motor. Both motors, when combined deliver 245kW and 620Nm of torque.
Honda: Three models
Throughout the past few years we have seen three Honda hybrids, namely the Insight, a direct competitor to the Prius as well as a hybrid version of its popular Jazz model. The little Jazz will achieve around 4.5 litres/100km, which is very impressive indeed. Honda also sold the CRZ here, a sporty take on a hybrid vehicle, where your driving style potentially earned a power boost from its electric motor for 10 seconds or so. It was a great concept but didn’t quite take in our local market.
Lexus: Two models
As the luxury arm of Toyota, who is renowned for their advancements in hybrid technology it is only fitting that Lexus offer some hybrid models of their own. Take the Lexus CT200h which was specifically designed and developed with the European market in mind, the Lexus CT 200h's size, packaging, full hybrid technology and ultra-low emissions perfectly meet the requirements of a young, highly discerning, environmentallyconscientious customer base. It develops 73kW/142Nm from its 1.8-litre petrol engine and 60kW/207Nm from its electric motor. More recently the Lexus RX 450h has joined the line-up and along with its striking design it also features hybrid technology which improves fuel economy, lowers emissions as well as its carbon footprint.
Nissan: One model
As with Mercedes-Benz, Nissan only has one car on the list and that happens to be the LEAF. Launched back in 2010 the LEAF is a zero emissions, fully electric car. The "LEAF" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan’s LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. Nissan claim a range of about 160km before needing to recharge.
Infinity: One model
The Infinity Q50S Hybrid is another single model on our list. This hybrid has a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an electric motor which together deliver a maximum output of 268kW. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100kph in less than 5.5 seconds.
Porsche: Two models
The Cayenne S Hybrid,was the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. It offers outstanding fuel consumption and emission values in the premium SUV segment. Porsche reckons that it will do 3.4litres/ 100km and 79 g/km CO2. The Cayenne is powered by a supercharged 249kW 3-Litre V6 engine with a 34kW electric motor delivering a combined output of 283kW with a maximum torque of 580Nm. The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid far exceeds the driving performance of the previous model. It uses a similar set up to the Cayenne however its electric motor develops 70kW.
Toyota: Three models
The Hybrid Auris comes fitted with a 1.8-litre petrol engine as well as an electric motor. Together these units enable the Auris HSD to accelerate to 100kph in 11.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 188kph. Together the motors develop 100 kW and drive is provided by a CVT gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated at 3.8L/100km with CO2 emissions of 87g/km. There is a specific EV mode button that will automatically engage the electric motor and run solely on electric power at speeds up to 50kph. Toyota also offers the Yaris Hybrid for customers looking for a smaller city car and of course the all new Prius which Sean Nurse is driving.
We have counted eighteen hybrid and electric cars available to the South African public. Can you think of ones that we have missed?
Pictures: NetCarShow
