The global automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented change. With an overall decline in sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles expected in the coming years, NGK SPARK PLUG has been putting in place plans for some time now to ensure its continuing success.
The benefits of hybrid cars
Hybrid cars use at least two different types of power, coming equipped with both an electric engine which uses energy stored in batteries and an (petrol or diesel-powered) ICE. The basic operating principle of hybrid vehicles involves the use of each (or both) particular engine at different speeds. The electric engine, for example, is more efficient at producing turning power or torque, while the ICE is better at maintaining high speed. A hybrid vehicle switches engine use from one to the other at the optimum time, resulting in energy efficiency, fuel efficiency and ultimately reduced emissions.
Practical: The combination of an electric motor and an ICE guarantees a long driving range as well as no limitations in terms of charging stations or charging time which is required with electric vehicles.
Efficient: When starting a hybrid vehicle or during low or stop-start speeds, the electric engine is used solely, which results in zero fuel consumption. During acceleration or uphill driving, however, both engines work together to provide a fuel-efficient operation. On the other hand, when travelling steadily at mid-to-high speeds, the ICE is used only.
Eco-friendly: Hybrid vehicles consume less energy due to regenerative braking. When braking or going downhill, the engine is turned off and kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, which is used to recharge the battery. They also offer a reduction in CO2 emissions, especially in congested city traffic. This is the case because when the car is not moving, both the ICE and electric motor are turned off.
NGK & NTK products in hybrid cars
The company’s NGK Ignition Parts and NTK Vehicle Electronics brands provide wide-ranging coverage to hybrid cars. This includes spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coils and leads, oxygen sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS), MAP/MAF sensors, engine speed & position sensors and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves.
Spark plugs: Today, most hybrid cars use petrol engines, with the latest precious metal spark plugs based on combustion engines with start-stop technology. While hybrid vehicles consume lower amounts of fuel due to electrification, they weigh heavier than traditional ICE vehicles, which means that spark plugs in hybrids carry the same expected lifetime and service intervals as those used in general ICE vehicles. In order to meet the higher technological demands of hybrid cars, precious metal spark plugs provide optimum performance, with around 95% of hybrids coming off the production line featuring this particular type of technology. For the minority of hybrids that are OE-equipped with nickel spark plugs, NGK SPARK PLUG offers a range of precious metal Aftermarket replacements that deliver better performances in terms of fuel efficiency, ignition optimisation and extended lifetime.
“Our comprehensive range of NGK and NTK components is providing our company with strong sales opportunities in the Aftermarket hybrid segment,” says Frank Massia, Director Marketing Aftermarket EMEA,
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Learned new things today thank you
With Hybrid vehicles appearing to become more and more popular these days, this is quite an interesting read.
Now we just need to overcome the loadshedding so that we can charge these vehicles! 🙂
Thank you Mr Frank Massia for continuing growth in NGK and NTK.From carburation to fuel injection,then common rail,then Hybrid now to electric vehicles.Really glad us aftermarket workshops are able to count on you to continue supplying us with reliable parts in a changing era.Thank you.