FAQs

Hybrid cars do not necessarily compromise on performance. In fact, many hybrid models, specifically those by Toyota and Lexus, lend impressive power and efficiency. Here are some key points to consider:

• Instant Torque: Hybrid vehicles benefit from the electric motor's ability to deliver instant torque, providing quick acceleration and a smooth driving experience, especially at lower speeds. This can enhance overall performance, particularly in city driving.

• Combined Power: Hybrids combine the power of a gasoline engine with an electric motor. This dual powertrain can result in a more balanced and responsive driving experience, with some hybrid models delivering performance comparable to or even better than their traditional gasoline counterparts.

•  Fuel Efficiency: While hybrids are designed primarily for fuel efficiency, this doesn't mean they sacrifice performance. Many modern hybrids are engineered to optimize both power and efficiency, allowing drivers to enjoy strong acceleration and handling while still achieving excellent fuel economy.

•  Advanced Technology: Hybrids often come with advanced technology, such as regenerative braking, which not only improves efficiency but also enhances driving dynamics. Some high-performance hybrids even feature multiple driving modes that enable drivers to choose between maximum efficiency or maximum power, depending on their needs.

• Weight Considerations: Some hybrids may be slightly heavier due to the additional battery and electric motor components, which can affect handling in certain models. However, automakers typically engineer these vehicles to compensate for the added weight, maintaining a balance between performance and efficiency.

• Sporty Models: Some hybrid models are specifically designed for performance enthusiasts. These vehicles are engineered to render thrilling driving experiences, combining the benefits of hybrid technology with high performance.
   

In summary, while the primary focus of hybrid vehicles is often on fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, many are designed to deliver strong performance as well. The combination of electric and gasoline power can result in a dynamic driving experience that not only meets but also surpasses the expectations of the most discerning of drivers.

Absolutely. Hybrid cars are generally better for the environment compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Here’s why:

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Hybrid cars produce fewer greenhouse gases than conventional vehicles because they rely partly on an electric motor, which emits no tailpipe emissions. This mitigates the overall carbon footprint, especially in stop-and-go city driving where the electric motor is most active.

• Lower Fuel Consumption: Hybrid vehicles are more fuel-efficient, using less gasoline per mile than traditional vehicles. This not only saves fuel but also reduces the demand for fossil fuels, leading to fewer emissions associated with fuel extraction, refining and transportation.

•  Less Air Pollution: Since hybrids burn less fuel, they emit lower levels of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. This contributes to better air quality, particularly in urban areas.

• Energy Regeneration: Hybrids utilize regenerative braking, which captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. This process reduces energy waste and improves overall efficiency.

•  Potential for Renewable Energy Use: If the electricity used to charge the battery in plug-in hybrids comes from renewable sources - like wind or solar - the environmental benefits are even greater, further minimizing the vehicle’s carbon footprint.

While hybrids are not entirely without environmental impact - battery production, for example, involves mining and manufacturing processes that have their own ecological costs - they are a significant improvement over conventional vehicles in terms of emissions and fuel efficiency. Overall, hybrids present an eco-friendlier option for reducing pollution and conserving energy.

Yes. At Markazia Lexus, we offer genuine spare parts for hybrid vehicles at competitive prices. 

Just like conventional vehicles, hybrid cars need to be maintained regularly. However, the maintenance schedule can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. As a rule of thumb, here are the key maintenance intervals for hybrids:

• Oil Changes: Hybrid vehicles typically require oil changes every 10,000 km depending on the type of oil used and the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as every 80,000 km for the transaxle.

• Brake Maintenance: Due to regenerative braking, which reduces wear and tear, brake pads and rotors on hybrids tend to last longer. However, they should still be inspected regularly, typically during routine service intervals.

• Battery Health Checks: The hybrid battery should be checked periodically, especially as the vehicle ages. Most manufacturers recommend a battery health check every 10,000 km to 15,000 km, though hybrid batteries are designed to last many years without issues.

•  Tire Rotation and Alignment: Like all vehicles, hybrids require regular tire rotations and alignments to ensure even wear and optimal performance. This is usually recommended every 10,000 km.

• Cooling System Maintenance: Hybrid cars often have two cooling systems; one for the engine and another for the hybrid battery. Both systems must be checked and serviced, typically every 30,000 km to 50,000 km.

• Transmission Fluid Check: The transmission fluid should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed, usually every 30,000 km to 60,000 km.

• General Inspection: Regular inspections of the vehicle’s electrical systems, belts, hoses and other components must be conducted during routine maintenance visits, approximately every six months or 5,000 km to 7,500 km.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner’s manual, as hybrid systems may have specific requirements. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your hybrid vehicle.

Yes. Given their combination of fuel savings, environmental benefits and strong reliability, hybrid cars generally retain a high resale value. Several factors contribute to this:

• Fuel Efficiency: As fuel prices fluctuate, the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles like hybrids remains strong. Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for the long-term fuel savings that hybrids offer.

• Environmental Awareness: Increasing environmental concerns have made hybrids more attractive to a broader audience. This growing demand helps maintain their resale value.

• Reliability and Durability: Hybrid vehicles, particularly those from reputable manufacturers like Toyota and Lexus, are known for their reliability and durability. This reputation for quality enhances their resale value.

• Lower Depreciation Rates: While all vehicles depreciate over time, hybrids tend to have lower depreciation rates compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars. This is partly due to their ongoing demand and the perception that they are a smarter long-term investment.

• Technological Advancements: Hybrids incorporate advanced technology that remains appealing to buyers even as the vehicle ages, further helping to preserve their resale value.

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• Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, enabling them to use less fuel than traditional gasoline-powered cars. This results in significant fuel savings and lower operating costs.

• Reduced Emissions: Hybrids produce fewer emissions compared to conventional vehicles, making them more eco-friendly. The electric motor reduces reliance on the gasoline engine, especially in stop-and-go traffic, leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

• Regenerative Braking: Hybrid cars use regenerative braking systems, which capture energy typically lost during braking and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery. This enhances overall efficiency and minimizes wear on the braking system.

• Lower Operating Costs: With improved fuel efficiency and regenerative braking, hybrid vehicles generally have lower operating costs, including fuel, maintenance and repairs.

• Extended Range: Hybrids can switch between electric and gasoline power, providing extended driving ranges compared to fully electric vehicles, reducing range anxiety.

• Quiet Operation: When running on electric power, hybrids are quieter than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, providing a more pleasant driving experience, particularly in urban environments.

• Flexibility: Hybrid vehicles offer the flexibility of both electric and gasoline power, ensuring reliable performance in various driving conditions, from city streets to highways.
   

Tips for extending HV battery lifespan:

1. Driving
    
   • Refrain from repeated acceleration/deceleration
   • Refrain from frequent idling for long periods
   • Refrain from driving near top-speed
      
2. Usage
    
   • Refrain from leaving the car in the N position (for EV/PHV)
   • Refrain from repeated quick recharge and EV driving as much as possible
   • Refrain from parking in extreme heat when the battery is fully charged as degradation worsens when battery temperatures are high
   • Use timer charging
   • Run down the battery to lower levels when the vehicle will not be driven for long periods
      
3. Filter Cleaning
    
   • Regularly clean the filter for the cooling intake
      

For EVs, sudden increases in acceleration and speed raise a vehicle's demand for energy. To improve fuel or electricity consumption, limiting unnecessary abrupt acceleration while driving is paramount.

Advice for Eco-Driving:

• By accelerating more gently on starts, you can improve electricity consumption by approximately 10%.
• Try to reduce the number of times you suddenly accelerate.
• More energy can be recovered through regenerative braking by releasing the accelerator earlier than usual when decelerating. 
• When driving on highways or whenever continuously driving at high average speeds, the driving range may be reduced.
• When the EV battery is running low, it is recommended to promptly recharge it.

Fundamentally, fuel/electrical efficient driving methods are the same for gasoline vehicles, HVs and PHVs.

The system normally controls the charge to achieve between 2-8 segments. When continuously driving at low speeds, the battery has less opportunity to charge, so the segments may not increase as much.

Hydrogen is colorless and odorless. It is the lightest gas on Earth. It is non-toxic and, unlike carbon dioxide, transmits infrared light, so it doesn’t contribute to global warming. It is an environmentally friendly fuel that may be used in many different applications.

A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is a car that is efficiently powered by a fuel cell or FC stack that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, coupled with electricity that is stored in a traction battery. It is a hybrid that uses both a fuel cell and a traction battery. It is an environmentally friendly car that only emits water and water vapor while driving and no gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide.

Essentially, FCEVs transform hydrogen into electrical energy. The mechanisms used to drive the vehicle are almost the same as those used in HEVs and BEVs, which are motor-powered by electricity stored in a battery. 

Over its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal, Toyota hybrids have a lower impact on the environment than conventional vehicles. The majority of emissions do come from fuel consumed in driving; therefore, emitting less carbon dioxide than equivalent petrol engine cars and less nitrogen oxide than diesel cars quickly compensates for the limited amount of extra energy used in manufacturing.

The Toyota hybrid system is more efficient than comparable conventional engine vehicles, even on highways, thanks to the highly efficient Atkinson cycle engine. The combined power of the engine and electric motor provide excellent driving dynamics at high speed.

There is no risk of electric shock during an accident or while under maintenance. The battery is securely enclosed, and if any abnormality is detected, the computer cuts off the high voltage and prevents any escape. There is also a service plug that can be used for manual disconnection.

Hybrids are safe to drive and comparably equipped with conventional vehicles. They cause no greater concern for passengers or rescuers in the event of a collision than non-hybrid vehicles. The batteries are sealed in a protective metal case and insulated from the vehicle body. Toyota locates the battery packs near the rear axle, well-protected in the event of a collision.

Hybrids are built to last as long as conventional vehicles.

CONSIDER THIS…

1. ARE YOU ABLE TO PLUG IN THE CAR AT HOME/WORK?
    
   1. YES 
      Toyota BEVs may be an option…
      BEVs require off-street parking and access to a power source to charge. Most charging occurs at home overnight or at work.
       
   2. NO
      Toyota Hybrids may suit you better...
      No need for an external power supply. No lifestyle change required. The engine charges the battery whilst driving, with energy captured through regenerative braking.
      
       
2. WILL THIS BE YOUR MAIN VEHICLE?
    
   1. NO
      Toyota BEVs may be an option…
      BEVs are more suitable for short daily trips. Used this way, there are advantages in the cost of ownership.
       
   2. YES
      Toyota Hybrids may suit you better...
      Comfortable cruising on highways and on long journeys thanks to our efficient and reliable engines. May be operated in EV mode up to 50% of the time (up to 80% in urban rush hour conditions), offering many of the same benefits as an EV. 
      
       
3. WHERE DO YOU DRIVE MOSTLY?
    
   1. CITY
      Toyota BEVs may be an option…
      BEVs gain access to all ultra-low emission zones. Limited range inhibits longer journeys as public charging infrastructure is sparse. Shift in the driving style required to conserve power when driving on highways.
       
   2. CITY, HIGHWAY AND COUNTRYSIDE
      Toyota Hybrids may suit you better...
      No need to worry about range or charging. No change in driving style is required.