From the Mobility of the LUISS in Rome, the hybrid cars present in Italy emerges. But the risk of confusion is underlined to establish their efficiency
Once upon a time there were hybrid cars. In fact, the full-hybrid, that is, in the recent past capable models, albeit for a handful of kilometers and low speeds, to move in 100% electric mode. The advantage obviously did not derive from that brief flicker with zero emissions, rather it had to be sought in the contribution that such a technology was able to give to the general efficiency of a car. Both in terms of emissions and consumption. An almost thirty -year story if we think of the progenitor of the segment, the Toyota Prius, born in 1997. Today, however, the panorama of hybrid cars has significantly changed. To Full-Hybrid the Mild-Hybrid. Starting from those with a handful of Volt up to the most effective at 48 volts. Not to mention the plug-in hybrid and, recent variation on the theme, to “Range Extender“In addition to the fact that hybrids can also be petrol, diesel and even petrol-gpl bifuel. An electrified car audience increasingly expanded and diversified. So much to generate, sometimes, confusion not only in the user who has to try their hand at new acronyms and terms. But also in professionals such as mechanical workshops and, even, dealers. Who should well know what they are proposing and therefore selling to the customer. Make some order and advance some proposals to lighten the confusion, was recently “the” car and mobility observatory “of the Luiss Business School in Rome.
How many hybrids are
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These are the numbers pitted by the Roman University. First of all, it must be said that 762 versions of hybrid cars appear in the list of the new, for a total of 244 models marketed by 48 car brands. The absolute majority (62.3%) is Mild-Hybrid. The plug-in follows (with 27.6%) and, far away, with 9.8% Full-Hybrid. The so -called “Range Extenders” are worth just 0.3% of the total as not only not very widespread, but also because recently proposed and by very few brands. Therefore, the electrified without plug are strong. A trend, Italian and European, constantly growing. So much so that looking at the first part of 2025 the data mark, between Italy and “old continent”, a share of 44.9 and 35.9%. We then know that the preferred diet from Italians to experience electrification is petrol (77%) of all hybrids, followed by diesel (22%) and LPG with just 0.3%.
The confusion of the categories
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In a society that loves to pigeonhole everything, or almost, in more or less reassuring categories, the hybrid car is an exception. In fact, it is in fact a clear system that classifies all the various shades of hybrid in the price list. We know, as mentioned, that the spine rechargeable plug-in is a minority. But also that at the Mild-Hybrid A representative niche of 14% defined as Middle-Hybrid is flanked. That is, models that for Voltaggio are assimilated to the Mild-Hybrid, but which for characteristics can travel by exploiting the sailing function (unit), and which can start and move up to low gait thanks to the very small electricity unit. Not to mention, and it is a majority, all the hybrid cars equipped with batteries who only use the march and recovery phases, slowdown or braking to recharge.
LUISS Tips
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At least a couple of suggestions to be applied in the medium and long term to make it clear, especially for those who must proceed with a purchase, the panorama of the electrified cars available on the list arrived from the Luiss Observatory. First step would therefore be to qualify, for each model, its own level of electrification. To do this it would therefore be enough to relate the respective powers between electricity unit and thermal engine, with the weight of the car in question. An immediate solution, also because it would be known and present data on all circulation booklets. More distant as a solution, as it is to be prepared from a formal point of view, the second proposal. Which suggests to categorize hybrid cars taking into account the actual travel made in electricity in the city. In this way we would have the full-Hybrid with a figure of at least 60% of electricity, the middle with the scissor between 30 and 59% and the Mild up to 29%. A system that thus structured would describe the existing panorama better, facilitating the choices by consumers.
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