FHEV and PHEV hybrid types, high-voltage battery life, and the growing need for Ni-MH and Li-ion battery testing in workshops.
Hybrids combine a combustion engine with one or more electric traction motors, which brings high-voltage battery service and repair onto the workshop agenda. Before introducing its Ni-MH and Li-ion battery tester, MSG Equipment reviews the hybrid market.
- FHEV (full hybrid): the battery is charged by regenerative braking and the engine; electric-only range is usually 5–20 km. Because the controller keeps charge above a set level, battery life is long.
- PHEV (plug-in hybrid): the battery can be charged from a socket, allowing tens of kilometres on electric power.
As hybrid numbers grow, diagnosing and restoring high-voltage batteries is becoming an important line of work for repair shops.