Why buy a Hybrid?

ComicGeek

I've got the latest Toyota RAV4 model, and I'm running at average of 58mpg which for its size and 2.5 litre petrol engine is great. Get 550 miles from a full tank, so much easier than some plug in hybrids with small petrol tanks.

So much more refined than the previous model, can use the battery at much higher speeds - I use it most of the time on the school run, in 30 and 40 zones, and can also use it up to 70 on flat sections of motorways.

Most of my driving is local roads, not convinced it's worthwhile if you do mostly motorway driving - it drops to about 48mpg.

In comparison, my wife's Kia Sorento 2.2l diesel gets 32mpg at best.

Jonesya

Most hybrids use a slightly different design of petrol engine, Atkinson cycle, which is more efficient but needs a hybrid drive to support it so there's some built in efficiency benefit.

That said, for long distance and high mileage driving diesels are still ahead, but obviously not great for town and city.

[Deleted User]

ICE ? I thought that stood for in-car entertainment? Like silly chavs who fit big speakers into the parcel shelf and crappy little DVD players... :rotfl:

bhjm

k6chris wrote: »

Looking at EV, which I think I understand more about now, as I do with traditional ICE cars. However, I am struggling to get my head around the real world benefits of a Hybrid, especially as the electric part seems to only have a tiny range, often sub 30 miles. What am I missing??

please dont get confused !

there are different types of "hybrids"

basically

Mild hybrid - supports the car during acceleration process, cant drive on electric only. i.e. the new suzuki swift is a mild hybrid.
full hybrid - ICE with a lecetric motor which can support the vehicle during acceleration, braking (regeneration energy, as well driving on very limited distance (~1-2miles) on battery only. Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ionic, etc
PHEV - PLUGIN Hybrid Electric Vehicle - basically its a full hybrid with a larger battery which can drive the vehicle to a certain distance (roughly 15-30miles) on battery only and can be recharged either by the ICE oder by external connection. - Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Prius Plugin, are on road examples
EV - fully electric vehicle - no ICE - range upwards 100 miles
EVER - Elelectric vehicle with range extender. like BMW i3 which has a small generator to create electric engergy

bhjm

as per post above - the best vehicle for you depends on several factors and the commutes you do and when (if), & how often you can recharge.

EV,EVER - only if you basically can charge at home or at your workplace, public recharge points are often more expensive per kw/h
PHEV - only makes sense if your commutes are mostly within the battery range, otherwise you are carrying unnecessary weight if you use the PHEV as hybrid only, thou still works great.
mild hybrid or full hybrid. it heavily depends on the available funds you have and where you drive. London, like the congestion charge should be considered, if you just want to have a "hybrid" sticker on your car without understanding the full impact of the technology in the car, go for a mild hybrid.

if you go very long distances, its up to you if you go for a diesel or a petrol hybrid, as both are very narrow with their consumption. For example, i have a Prius Plugin, and when i have a long distance, i average around 65-70mpg on the motorway at 70-75mph, on around 200miles ICE only

ElefantEd

One issue I have with hybrids is that you have to lug around two engiens + the associated fuel (batteries + petrol/diesel). Which seems inefficient on the face of it.

bhjm

ElefantEd wrote: »

One issue I have with hybrids is that you have to lug around two engiens + the associated fuel (batteries + petrol/diesel). Which seems inefficient on the face of it.

correct for a PHEV, incorrect for a Hybrid, as the additional weight is easily compensated by the electric motor during the acceleration process. Reason for this is, that a Petrol ICE is simply not as efficient in the lower RPM, it has lower Torque than in higher revs - here comes the strength from a electric motor - instant torque. In urban traffic, the additional weight is hugely compensated.

as stated above, i`m driving a PHEV , which means it has an additional weight for the battery of lets say 150kg on top of the normal hybrid technology, however - i am still averaging on petrol only(hybrid mode, electric off) above 70mpg easily. And actually it`s not as difficult as you might think, like hypermileaging etc.

k6chris

So a "full hybrid" like a Hyundai Ionic, only has a very small electric battery but uses this to get much better MPG and lower emissions than the equivalent petrol engine? Is it more expensive to service such a car, given it has additional 'bits'?

Jaimeteddy

Because hybrid engines will use electricity when the car travels at short distances, crowded, this helps owners save fuel better.
The eco-friendliness of hybrid engines makes it a popular choice for city commutes.
It is not expensive to replace batteries
One of the things that makes users most excited about hybrid cars is that it is very easy to drive.
Here are some of my comments

Ergates

ElefantEd wrote: »

One issue I have with hybrids is that you have to lug around two engiens + the associated fuel (batteries + petrol/diesel). Which seems inefficient on the face of it.

Except available evidence suggest otherwise - Hybrids are more efficient than straight ICE.