When in hybrid mode, most hybrids reduce life cycle green-house gas emissions (such as CO2) by 15%-30% as compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. This is principally due to the increase in fuel efficiency which results from hybridising the drive-train.

When in electric-only mode, hybrid cars charged using average UK 'mains' electricity show a significant reduction in CO2 – the figures suggest a reduction of around 40% compared to an small petrol car (tailpipe 130 gCO2/km). Renewable electricity reduces fuel life cycle emissions to almost zero.

Although highly dependent on the driving and fuelling routines of each owner, initial experience suggests that hybrid cars tend to be powered on electricity for around half of miles driven. The official test, however, assumes that the vehicle is operating on electric for around 80% of the time. Either way, the fact that hybrids are effectively electric cars for some of the time, and low emission hybrids for the remainder, means that overall, emissions are significantly reduced.

Local air quality

When in hybrid mode, all regulated emissions are significantly reduced for a hybrid passenger cars as compared to a conventional petrol and diesel models. These include reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PMs).

The lower regulated emissions (when in hybrid mode) are a result of the hybridised drive-train which is able to operate the main combustion engine closer to its maximum efficiency for longer than is possible in conventional cars. The effect is to lower the engine loadings, which in turn reduces time on peak power when the majority of NOx and particulates are produced.

When in electric-only mode, hybrid cars charged using average UK 'mains' electricity can result in an increase in life cycle emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PMs). However, as these are emitted from power-stations which are well away from urban areas, their overall impact tends to be much less than when emitted from the exhausts of conventional cars. If renewable electricity is used, fuel life cycle emissions to almost zero.

At Mantra, we make sure our learners are fully prepared to meet the key challenges presented by the sector. That is why we train all our apprentices to work safely on electrically powered vehicles. 

Find out more about our automotive apprenticeships HERE.