An hybrid car can be described as a car that has the same horsepower as two different engine designs. These engines are internal combustion (petrol) engines and electric motors. In addition to the motors, there is one battery and generator system. Two motors run while the vehicle is moving. The battery connected to the electric motor charges itself by utilizing the movement energy.
Such vehicles are powered only by the electric motor up to a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. In places where the power of the electric motor is insufficient, the internal combustion engine enters the circuit and both motors run at the same time. When the battery reaches a critical level, the electric motor deactivates and waits to be charged by the generator. The gasoline engine starts to charge itself with the energy it creates.
The hybrid cars are much more economical and eco friendly. Therefore, many governments offer incentives for increasing the usage of hybrid cars. The hybrid cars in Turkey are under a different tax bracket. For example, a 90% Special Consumption Tax (SCT) is taken from a gasoline car with a 1.8-liter engine, while a 50% SCT is taken from a hybrid car with a 1.8-motor.
In Turkey, the electric car numbers reach to 471 with the sale made in the first 9 months of 2017. The sales figures, engine powers and prices of the most popular hybrid automobiles in Turkey are:
Volvo XC90 T8: It has 2000 CC gasoline engine and 105 kW electric engine. In the first 6 months of 2017 it is sold 11 and the price is starting from 621.611 liras to 964.457 liras.
KIA Niro: It has 1580 CC gasoline engine and motor ile 32 kW electric engine. In the two months following May 2017, a total of 21 units sold and the price starts from 124.500 liras to 147.500 liras.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 2494 CC gasoline engine and 105 kW electric engine. In the first 6 months of 2017 it is sold 40 units and the prices are changing between 179.850 and 224.900 liras.
Hyundai IONIQ: The car, which has a 1580 CC gasoline engine and a 45 kW electric motor, sold 23 units in the first month of the car which started selling in June, and the price was 123,900 liras.
Toyota Prius Hybrid: With a 1798 CC petrol engine and a 53 kW electric motor, the car sold only 3 units in the first six months of 2017 and the price range is between 44,900 and 48,500 euros.
BMW i8: It has 1499 CC gasoline engine and ile 95 kW electric engine. In the first 6 motnhs of 2017 it is sold 4 units and the prices are starting from 828.800 liras to 888.400 liras.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid: It has a 1798 CC gasoline engine and a 53kW electric motor, sold 1203 units in the first six months of 2017 and the price ranges from 121,600 liras to 132,900 liras.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid: The car, which has a 1497 CC gasoline engine and a 45 kW electric motor, sold 85 units in the first six months of 2017 and its price ranges from 88,000 liras to 101,650 liras.
Toyota Auris Hybrid: In addition to the 1798 CC gasoline engine, the vehicle, which has a 53 kW electric motor, sold only 1 unit in the first six months of 2017 and the price ranges from 102,950 liras to 123,500 liras.
In the last years, the number of these hybrid cars are continuously increasing and a second hand market will be emerged.
Turkey is a big fuel importer, but the 45-50% of the electricity production met by domestic resources. Also with Solar and Wind Plants (in mid-long terms) to overcome the dependency to the foreign resources, the increase in the demand of electric cars will be very important for Turkey.
There is an Turkey Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Association. (http://tehad.org/).