Alternative powertrain cars – facts and misconceptions

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More and more consumers are turning to alternative powertrain cars such as the beloved Kia Optima Hybrid to go green, but there seems to be a lack of understanding about eco-friendly cars in general. Here are a number of misconceptions about eco-friendly cars and the facts that set them straight.

 

Short-lived batteries

Contrary to popular belief, batteries in many hybrid cars have exceptional longevity. The lithium ion polymer batteries in Kia’s eco-friendly cars have excellent durability, and batteries in fuel cell vehicles can be used semi-permanently.

Hybrid cars are susceptible to electric shock

Many fear electrocution when their cars get wet. However, the batteries in hybrid cars immediately lower their electricity levels and switch from serial to parallel circuits the moment they come into contact with water, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of electrocution.

 

Batteries die on their own

Most batteries have a self-discharging feature, which means they consume energy even when not in use. This is particularly true of lead-acid storage batteries, which use up a lot of energy. Kia’s lithium ion polymer batteries, on the other hand, have a self-discharging rate some twenty times lower than that of conventional lead batteries.

 

 

Fuel cell vehicles are prone to explosion

Safety tests on fuel cell vehicles are exceptionally thorough. When the car catches fire, the safety valve in the hydrogen tank opens instantly, releasing hydrogen into the air. Hydrogen escapes through a narrow hole under significantly high injection pressure, so the hydrogen, rather than acting as an agent, helps put out the fire. Kia’s hydrogen cars are equipped with four hydrogen detecting sensors and have all passed the safety tests of the Korea Gas Safety Corporation.

 

 

Now that you know the facts about hybrid cars, how about taking the next green step for the environment?  

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