Three truly amazing Hybrid Vehicles

The 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid S, Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power, and Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid are all excellent all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles that have been well-received by Australian consumers.

Here are my top 7 reasons whey Hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular in Australia:

(1)  Reduced running costs: Hybrids consume less fuel than regular cars, since the electric motor drives the wheels for part of the time, especially from standstill or at lower speeds, and helps for the rest of the journey. This results in lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.

(2) Lower tailpipe emissions: In EV-only mode, there are no harmful emissions from the exhaust pipes, making hybrids especially suitable in densely populated areas.

(3) Quieter, smoother operation: Electric motors are almost completely noiseless and thus quieter than an engine, as well as smoother in operation, improving comfort.

(4) Stronger performance: The addition of an electric motor provides a useful extra amount of power and torque, for stronger acceleration and throttle response.

(5) Cheaper to buy: Hybrid cars are generally cheaper to buy than pure electric vehicles.

(6) No range anxiety: With hybrids able to use their internal combustion engines to keep the batteries topped up, drivers don’t need to worry about where their next charge is coming from.

(7) No waiting around for the dam battery pack to recharge: EVs need time to fully recharge, from around 30 minutes at a high-capacity charging station to 24 hours or more using a household power socket, depending on battery size. Hybrids don’t need to be parked and plugged in to recharge, instead the on-board engine generates most of the electricity it needs.

Below is a comparison of these 3 amazingly good vehicles based:

Performance:

The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130kW of power and 330Nm of torque. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 163kW of power and 221Nm of torque.

Driveability:

All three vehicles have excellent handling and are easy to drive. The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth acceleration. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has an electric motor that provides instant torque and a smooth ride. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a CVT that provides smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride.

The all important Visibility:

All three vehicles have excellent visibility. The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has large windows and a high driving position that provides excellent visibility. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a large windshield and a high driving position that provides excellent visibility. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a large windshield and a high driving position that provides excellent visibility.

Practicality of each vehicle:

All three vehicles are practical and spacious. The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a spacious cabin and a large cargo area. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a spacious cabin and a large cargo area. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a spacious cabin and a large cargo area.

The level of Grandeur:

The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a luxurious interior with leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a comfortable and well-designed interior. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a stylish and modern interior.

Battery specifications:

The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a lithium-ion battery that provides 12.3kWh of power. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a lithium-ion battery that provides 1.5kWh of power. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a nickel-metal hydride battery that provides 6.5kWh of power.

Travelling distance on one tank of fuel:

The Subaru Forester Hybrid S has a fuel tank capacity of 48 litters and can travel up to 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power has a fuel tank capacity of 55 litters and can travel up to 1,200 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid has a fuel tank capacity of 55 litters and can travel up to 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel.

Price & Warranty of each vehicle:

The Subaru Forester Hybrid S is priced at around $45,000 AUD and comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power is priced at around $60,000 AUD and comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty. The Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid is priced at around $55,000 AUD and comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty.

I found some Youtube videos comparing the 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid S, Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Ti-L e-Power, and Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid:

·         Toyota RAV4 Hybrid v Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV v Nissan X-Trail ePower: 2023 comparison review test by CarsGuide (16:29)

This video compares the fuel efficiency, performance, and features of the three hybrid SUVs.

·         Is the 2023 Nissan X-Trail BETTER Than Its Competitors? by Tech Time (8:54)

This video takes a look at the pros and cons of the 2023 Nissan X-Trail, and how it compares to other SUVs on the market.

·         It’s finally here! Nissan X-Trail 2023 review: Can the new SUV topple Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5? by CarsGuide (12:03)

This video takes a closer look at the 2023 Nissan X-Trail, including its design, interior, and driving performance.

·         Best SUVs off-road: Top 12 medium SUVs compared – some fail to make it! by CarExpert (51:00)

This video compares the off-road capabilities of 12 medium SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.

·         Toyota RAV4 VS Subaru Forester comparison by Motormouth (11:42)

This video compares the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, but it may still be helpful for getting a general sense of the pros and cons of each car.

Vehicle Dealers.

Below are a few dealers in NSW and VIC that were selling these vehicles in 2023:

New South Wales: Subaru North Shore, Nissan Chatswood, and Toyota Sydney City.

Subaru North Shore: Located in Artarmon, Sydney, they offer new and used Subaru’s with a focus on customer service and satisfaction. They have a wide range of models available, including the Forester, Outback, and WRX. Their website is https://www.subarunorthshore.com.au/ and their Google rating is 4.6 stars with over 300 reviews.

Nissan Chatswood:  This well-established dealership in Chatswood, Sydney, provides new and used Nissans, along with servicing and repairs. They have a friendly and knowledgeable team and offer a wide range of financing options. Their website is https://www.facebook.com/ckdnissanchatswood/ and their Google rating is 4.5 stars with over 500 reviews.

Toyota Sydney City: Situated in the heart of Sydney, this dealership offers a vast selection of new and used Toyotas, supported by experienced service staff. They are known for their competitive pricing and convenient location. Their website is https://www.sydneycitytoyota.com.au/ and their Google rating is 4.4 stars with over 1,000 reviews.

Victoria: Subaru Docklands, Nissan Essendon, and Toyota Melbourne City.

Subaru Docklands: Located in the vibrant Docklands precinct of Melbourne, this dealership provides new and used Subarus with a focus on urban convenience. They offer test drives, servicing, and financing options. Their website is https://www.subarudocklands.com.au/ and their Google rating is 4.7 stars with over 200 reviews.

Nissan Essendon: Situated in Essendon, Melbourne, this dealership offers a complete range of new and used Nissans, with a focus on customer service and value. They have a team of experts who can help you find the perfect Nissan for your needs. Their website is https://www.essendonnissan.com.au/ and their Google rating is 4.3 stars with over 400 reviews.

Toyota Melbourne City: Conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, this dealership offers a wide range of new and used Toyotas, along with comprehensive service and repair facilities. They are known for their knowledgeable staff and competitive prices. Their website is https://melbournecitytoyota.com.au/ and their Google rating is 4.2 stars with over 800 reviews.

We need better battery technology for use in vehicles.

Better battery technology to power EV’s and Hybrids is the thing that I think about most with the vehicle market and probably the most common discussion I will have with anyone about vehicles.

While EVs and Hybrids have grown in popularity due to their environmental benefits, me and just about everyone I know have got some serious concerns about battery safety.   Thankfully though with the huge amount of R&D going on in the solid state battery space at the moment, the future looks very bright indeed.

The solid state battery tech we will see being introduced over the next 10 years is going to blow our minds.   The battery products we are going to be presented with will change the way we think about how EV’s and Hybrids are powered.

Before discussing the advantages of solid state batteries, it’s critical to address the safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs and Hybrids.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), there have been over 230 product safety reports related to lithium-ion batteries in Australia alone over the last five years. One death was tragically attributed to a lithium-ion battery fire.

Solid-state batteries appear to be the answer we’ve all been waiting for when it comes to these safety concerns.

Solid state batteries, as opposed to our current tech liquid state lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte, use a solid electrolyte.

The solid electrolyte not only improves battery safety, but it also improves overall performance and lifespan. Several types of solid state batteries are being researched and developed at the moment and it’s all very exciting.

The sulfide-based solid state battery is without a doubt in my mind one of the most promising from what you can read online at the moment.

The sulfide-based solid state battery employs a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, which allows for high energy density and improved stability. When compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, sulfide-based solid state batteries have the potential to provide longer driving ranges and faster charging times.

Another type of solid state battery under development is the oxide-based solid state battery. The use of an oxide-based solid electrolyte in these batteries improves stability and safety.   Oxide-based solid state batteries are less prone to overheating or catching fire due to their excellent thermal stability. They also have a longer lifespan, requiring fewer battery replacements over the life of a battery powered vehicle.

Polymer-based solid-state batteries are gaining traction in the industry as well. The solid polymer electrolyte used in these batteries improves safety and flexibility. Polymer-based solid-state batteries are lightweight and can be moulded into a variety of shapes, making them ideal for integration into various vehicle designs.   Furthermore, Polymer-based solid-state batteries have a lower risk of leakage and are less sensitive to temperature variations.

The benefits of solid state batteries are numerous and extend far beyond safety. These advanced batteries have the potential to significantly increase energy density, allowing for longer driving ranges and fewer charging cycles. Furthermore, solid state batteries charge faster, reducing the time spent waiting for a recharge.

Because of the faster charging speed, EVs will be more convenient and appealing to a wider range of consumers. While solid-state batteries show great promise, there are still obstacles to overcome before they can be used commercially. Solid state batteries currently have higher production costs than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

To reduce costs and increase the accessibility of solid state batteries, researchers and manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into streamlining their manufacturing processes. Ultimately, solid state batteries will dominate automotive battery technology in the future.   Because of their increased performance and safety features, these batteries have the power to completely transform and improve the EV industry. Every kind of solid state battery, whether it is polymer, oxide, or sulphide based, has benefits of its own and makes driving safer and more effective. As research and development continue, we can look forward to a time when solid-state batteries will power our cars, opening the door to a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation system.

References: – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Report on Lithium-Ion Batteries Safety