Why buy a Hybrid?

Jaimeteddy

Perhaps if you like Hybrid cars then there's no reason

bhjm

k6chris wrote: »

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?

correct !

k6chris wrote: »

Is it more expensive to service such a car, given it has additional 'bits'?

yes and no,

yes - because there is more technology to be maintained. show me a NEW car which is cheaper to maintain than a older car, spare parts are more expensive on new cars etc.
no - because some parts like brakes are used much less, often comes with different tyres than a non hybrid car(quieter), the engine will run less compared to a non-hybrid, if the car has an Atkinson-cycle engine, its also has a higher efficiency compared to a "standard" 4stroke engine. (note: both engine types are 4stroke), as you will subconsciously will drive more relaxed with a hybrid, it the car will run cheaper and quieter, its more relaxing on your journey

please note. that petrol hybrids with CVT / E-CVT still have have kind of gearbox which not everyone prefers

coffeehound

bhjm wrote: »

often comes with different tyres than a non hybrid car(quieter)

Can I ask why the tyres are different?

bhjm

coffeehound wrote: »

Can I ask why the tyres are different?

to achieve a better fuel consumption
to achieve a quieter driving noise to have a better experience of a quieter car in general.(same applies to full electric vehicle) (you will hear the difference straight away) and generally what i found, you put your radio on your daily commute to a lower level, you`ll hear cars next to you before you hear yours

if you have the chance, just try the different cars out ! - and yes, although the jump to a hybrid car is absolute simple, your driving style will adapt to your car(if you would have a sportier car you will drive more aggressive )

magicboy

I've been tooling around in a Auris Hybrid for a couple of months now. The Auris isn't mine, a family member bought it a couple of years ago but due to illness can't currently drive. I'm using it for the moment as the steering is easier on my dodgy shoulder than my car, which is a diesel hot hatch bought new 10+ years ago.

The Auris isn't a car I would have picked given the choice - it's a bit dull to drive but I can see the benefits. Better MPG around town than my non-DPF'd diesel, and similar on the motorway if you stick to the speed limits. Cruise set at a true 70mph on a 40 mile run down the motorway in free moving traffic and couple miles of A roads around town either end returned 57mpg, on 17" wheels. I've seen high 60s mpg in town when it's able to run in EV mode in 30/40mph limits. The minicab favourite spec on 15" wheels is better still I'm told. Disarming easy to drive in heavy traffic, trickling along on electric power. The transmission is smooth and the changeover from electric to petrol power and back again is imperceptible.

The short electic range on battery looks rubbish on paper ... but it seems to work. Uses the electric motor to pull away, switches to petrol from about 10mph when driven normally. Once at the 30/40mph limit back off the accelerator then reapply to maintain speed and it'll switch to electric mode and maintain speed for a couple of miles before the battery drops to 25%. Coasting down hills or gentle braking puts power back into the battery, as does any surplus power from the petrol engine when that cuts back in to keep the engine warmed up.

Downsides - the CVT type gearbox at higher speeds mainly. It's quiet generally, but floor it at motorway speeds and the car goes from uninstrusively quiet to full on GRRRR as it pulls 4000+ revs. The electric motor assists, but it's missing the shove in the back you get from an diesel that's sat at 2000rpm at the legal limit.

I suppose it's a matter of viewpoint. It's a very efficient engine that doesn't waste as much energy as a petrol/diesel car. The Toyotas appear very reliable from the popularity of older Prius with minicab operators.

Compared to a diesel they're cleaner and the mpg is nearly as good. The gearbox is simple unlike the ticking time bomb of a DSG auto in a VW group car. No alternator, clutches, turbos to wear out ... although there is the battery.

No range anxiety as with an pure EV.

The hybrid is similar weight to the diesel so it's not exactly lugging a load of useless extra weight around. No range anxiety that you'd get with an EV, so if you need to drive 300 miles to Scotland you can and you'll still get high 50s mpg. I suspect the ideal solution would be a hybrid setup with a bigger battery that gave say a 20 mile range, although that would add weight.

Oh, one other thing. Watch out for pedestrians! Apparently they can hear a rumbly old TDI engine from miles away, but they'll walk out into the road in front of a hybrid\EV they didn't hear coming!

bhjm

magicboy wrote: »

Oh, one other thing. Watch out for pedestrians! Apparently they can hear a rumbly old TDI engine from miles away, but they'll walk out into the road in front of a hybrid\EV they didn't hear coming!

or when they have earpods you definitely start driving more cautious.

regarding the cvt, i totally agree with the noise. This comes from 2 side - a) as the car is generally very quite - the increase in sound is even more noticable, b) due to the fact that the cars aren`t designed to be floored and that they will run at the same RPM without the familiar shifting of gears it underscores its louder. On the other hand - in town and overland - its quieter