I don't get how a hybrid can be economical. Surely it's always carrying considerable unnecessary weight? Whichever mode, a spare engine?
Because they use the electric motor as and when its the right thing to do or when you tell it too. EVs are cheaper to run. My Toyota CHR is a self charging hybrid. Even at this time of year its averaging 64mpg, in the summer months 70mpg+ is easily attainable without driving like Miss Daisy.
Sure, but it's not economical against a pure EV. And when you run the ICE it's carrying all the battery weight.
No but its a way of getting drivers used to EV power without going all in full EV. Hybrid batteries are nowhere near the size of full EV batteries. Most are under the rear seats.
I dont know about other hybrids but this one operates as an EV firstly and uses the ICE as a back up and to regenerate the battery, hence why people are getting up to a 1000 miles on a 60L tank of petrol
Similar configuration to a lot of London cabs. They’re okay because they’re warm in winter. 100% EV’s are always bastard freezing because the heaters impact the range… so drivers switch the heating off…
I have had 3 PHEV’s, currently have a Ford Kuga one. My second was a Kia Niro. Picked it up new in Nov 2020. Called via a petrol station and brimmed it full. Ran it in auto-mode (so the car decided whether to run on electric or petrol). Driving was a mix of urban and up/down the A1. The next time it needed petrol was April 2021.
Serious question. Does the ic engine get prewarmed so it's ready for action, or does it get the backside thrashed off it stone cold when required?
Good question. This from the internet regarding the start up under either low battery or acceleration demand. BMW 330e When the engine starts cold, the engine management system limits power and adjusts parameters (like fuel-air mixture and idle speed) to help protect the engine and reduce wear. This isn’t “pre-warming,” but controlled start behaviour. However that isn’t my experience. Foot to the floor uses both the petrol engine and batteries combined until it is throttled off The battery then gets a charge under normal driving and braking conditions.
