So few hybrids

[koffiejunkie]

I'm curious: Why are there so few hybrid model cars on the market in SA? I can see how electric vehicles might be too risky from most people *cough* Eskom *cough*. But Hybrids seem like very sensible option.

Anyone know what the reasons are? Experiences owning a hybrid?

 

[Creag]

I saw an article recently that said that "hybrids" are far less environmentally friendly than previously held. If this is true, then perhaps they are not being punted as a saviour to the environment.

 

[koffiejunkie]

May be so, but it's still better than a regular internal combusion model. Still, compared to other markets - say UK - there are many more models that simply doesn't show up in SA.

Especially with Eskom's shenanigans, I would have thought a car that can double as a generator would be wildly popular

 

[WollieVerstege]

I use to own a GS450h. One day the hybrid drive train packed up. Because it was under warranty, Toyota quoted Toyota just over R80k to fix the problem. This was in 2010.
I think that hybrids are far more complicated and expensive to maintain, especially when they are out of warranty

 

[TheChamp]

Does the fuel consumption figure justify the huge price tag? I have often found them to be very expensive.

 

[TheChamp]

May be so, but it's still better than a regular internal combusion model. Still, compared to other markets - say UK - there are many more models that simply doesn't show up in SA.

Especially with Eskom's shenanigans, I would have thought a car that can double as a generator would be wildly popular

I would buy one if the electric part of the hybrid could just be ignored when the battery gives up or when there's a problem.

But as it is it just look like a complication waiting to happen just after the warranty runs out. Imagine having to worry about the clutch and other expensive repairs on the internal combustion engine plus the battery, motor and electrics, it can't be fun.

 

[JohnStarr]

I would buy one if the electric part of the hybrid could just be ignored when the battery gives up or when there's a problem.

But as it is it just look like a complication waiting to happen just after the warranty runs out. Imagine having to worry about the clutch and other expensive repairs on the internal combustion engine plus the battery, motor and electrics, it can't be fun.

This is no different to any car. Trust me...parts after a warranty expires are horrendously expensive. Hybrids would be more so as they're imported.
Hell, local parts for Toyota & VW are sky-high outside of a warranty.

 

[Sepeng]

Well I reckon short answer is, our market is not big enough to justify bringing them in/ too few sales.
Also I get electric - you don't use any petrol at all. These, well, they offered the same economy as a diesel at a far higher price point.

 

[Matt91]

Think I've only seen one of those beemer i3 things in the flesh... like ever. Ugly as sin.

 

[Neuk_]

Our market is too small to sell a meaningful amount, hybrids are expensive options and the support required for the few that would get sold with our CPA laws makes it very unattractive to manufacturers.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Well I reckon short answer is, our market is not big enough to justify bringing them in/ too few sales.
Also I get electric - you don't use any petrol at all. These, well, they offered the same economy as a diesel at a far higher price point.

I'm fully onboard with electric - it's definitely my first choice, all things being equal. But it's not going to tick all the boxes for everyone. When I worked in Jo'burg I spent a lot of time every in the car, and I sometimes did 600km+ per day. Combine that with current EV range and the chances of finding yourself fresh out of electricity right when you're about to run out, I'm not sure this is the right answer for me yet. To be fair, I'm not in that position anymore, but I'm sure many are.

Think I've only seen one of those beemer i3 things in the flesh... like ever. Ugly as sin.

Agreed, a lot of the EVs are fugly as well. Maybe less so now, but around the time the i3 EV and Leaf etc first came onto the market. Damn. Even with my lack of self awaredness I'd be reluctant to drive one.

Our market is too small to sell a meaningful amount, hybrids are expensive options and the support required for the few that would get sold with our CPA laws makes it very unattractive to manufacturers.

Thanks, this makes a lot of sense.

 

[Leo_]

I also think It could possibly be the way in which hybrids are marketed and sold here in South Africa.

The hybrid is always on the most expensive trim option. Give us more options. Let their be a entry level, mid spec, and top of the range trim options with the hybrid engine.

 

[koffiejunkie]

For what it’s worth, I have found out the real reason for this. The way fuel efficiency and vehicle efficiency standards work is they apply to the average of all cars sold by any one manufacturer, in a give vehicle class. So hypothetical example, Toyota can still sell a big engined Camry or whatever that doesn’t meet the standards, provided they sell enough smaller engined cars that do, to bring down the average.

In markets that have strict fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards, manufacturers prioritise hybrids and electric models in the low to mid market segment - where the volume is - to meet those standards. South Africa‘s standards date back to the 1990s (equivalent to Euro 2, IIRC), so there’s really no incentive for manufacturers to bring their most efficient vehicles. That’s also why the very short list of EVs available in SA are also mostly high-end luxury cars - there’s simply no incentive for manufacturers like VW, Nissan and Fiat to bring cars like the ID.2, Leaf or 500e, particularly when there’s strong demands in other market and a short supply of components. As with most things, it simply won’t happen without the appropriate policy enabling it.

 

[neoprema]

I use to own a GS450h. One day the hybrid drive train packed up. Because it was under warranty, Toyota quoted Toyota just over R80k to fix the problem. This was in 2010.
I think that hybrids are far more complicated and expensive to maintain, especially when they are out of warranty

Many people will never keep if that long. I don’t keep my cars when warranty expires. And I know I’m prob losing money like that but I have seen friends refuse to sell the car and re finance cause it’s “wasting money” then sit and drop R80k in a year on repairs… you could have put that as a deposit.

I do agree with you through, if something is going to break - the hybrid will be much more expensive to repair than a regular engine.

 

[koffiejunkie]

I do agree with you through, if something is going to break - the hybrid will be much more expensive to repair than a regular engine

This is a common misconception. The Camry Hybrid was the most popular mid sedan in Australia for many many years, precisely because its TCO is lower than the equivalent petrol model.