Everything You Wanted to Know About Hybrids
WHAT IS A HYBRID?
A hybrid is a vehicle that is propelled by two power sources.
OBJECTIVES
Types of hybrid vehicles Hybrid vehicle operation Commonly asked questions about hybrids The pay back rate of hybrids Advantages and disadvantages of owning a hybrid
LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Full hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Most are capable of using the electric motor alone to propel the vehicle The electric motor also assists the engine Battery voltages are about 200 to 300 volts
LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Medium hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Most are not capable of using the electric motor alone to propel the vehicle The electric motor usually assists the engine Battery voltages are about 144 to 158 volts
LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Mild Hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Are not capable of using the electric motor to propel the vehicle These systems are usually 42 volts or less
Basic Components
Power plant ICE Electric motor / Generator Battery Transmission Inverter
TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Series hybrid
Vehicle propulsion is by a electric motor only ICE is used for charging the HV battery
TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Parallel hybrid
Uses multiple propulsion energy sources This means the electric motor and ICE propels the vehicle
TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES
Series-parallel hybrid
These vehicles can operate using the electric motor alone or with assist of the ICE They combine both functions of series and parallel design
HOW DO I START THIS THING?
IS THIS VEHICLE RUNNING?
Maintenance
Hybrid vehicles require the same maintenance as regular vehicles However, some hybrids require inverter flushes and battery filter changes. There be additional costs involved in replacing low rolling resistance tires. Vehicle repairs may cost more than a regular vehicle
HOW LONG WILL A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY LAST?
Most hybrid high voltage batteries last 180,000 to 240,000 miles Manufacture battery warranties
Honda
8 years / 80,000 miles
Toyota
8 years / 100,000 miles
Ford
8 years / 100,000 miles
General Motors
8 years / 100,000 miles
ARE HYBRID VEHICLES SAFE?
YES!
The following will disable the high voltage system
High voltage interlock circuit Airbag deployment High voltage leak Removing battery negative
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HYBRID VEHICLE IS SUBMERGED IN WATER?
There is no risk of electric shock from touching the car's body or frameworkin or out of the water.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO INSURE A HYBRID VEHICLE?
Some insurance companies indicate that drivers of hybrid vehicles are a lower risk.
May save 5-10% on insurance costs by owning a hybrid vehicle
SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?
Hybrid Premium None Combined MPG 46.5 Annual Fuel Cost $880.65 Annual Hybrid Fuel Savings Years to Break Even Year 2010 Make Toyota Prius Model MSRP $22,400.00
2010 2010
Ford Ford
Escape Escape Hybrid
$25,305.00 $31,500.00 $6,195.00
25 32.5
$1,638.00 $1,260.00 $378.00 16.38888889
2010 2010
Toyota Toyota
Camery Camery Hybrid
$23,165.00 $26,150.00 $2,985.00
22.5 33.5
$1,820.00 $1,222.39 $597.61 4.994896337
2010
2010
Ford
Ford
Fusion
Fusion Hybrid
$24,330.00
$27,625.00 $3,295.00
22.2
38.5
$1,844.59
$1,063.64 $780.95 4.219220181
2010 2010
Honda Honda
Civic Civic Hybrid
$18,700.00 $23,800.00 $5,100.00
30 42.5
$1,365.00 $963.53 $401.47 12.70331532
2010 2010
Toyota Toyota
Highlander Highlander Hybrid
$33,070.00 $34,700.00 $1,630.00
23.5 26
$1,742.55 $1,575.00 $167.55 9.728439272
SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?
Hybrid Premium Combined MPG Annual Fuel Cost Annual Hybrid Fuel Savings Years to Break Even Year Make Model MSRP
2010
Toyota
Prius
$22,400.00
None
46.5
$1,467.74
2010 2010
Ford Ford
Escape Escape Hybrid
$25,305.00 $31,500.00 $6,195.00
25 32.5
$2,730.00 $2,100.00 $630.00 9.833333333
2010 2010
Toyota Toyota
Camery Camery Hybrid
$23,165.00 $26,150.00 $2,985.00
22.5 33.5
$3,033.33 $2,037.31 $996.02 2.996927773
2010 2010
Ford Ford
Fusion Fusion Hybrid
$24,330.00 $27,625.00 $3,295.00
22.2 38.5
$3,074.32 $1,772.72 $1,301.60 2.531499693
2010 2010
Honda Honda
Civic Civic Hybrid
$18,700.00 $23,800.00 $5,100.00
30 42.5
$2,275.00 $1,605.88 $669.12 7.62195122
2010
Toyota
Highlander
$33,070.00
23.5
$2,904.25
2010
Toyota
Highlander Hybrid
$34,700.00
$1,630.00
26
$2,625.00
$279.25
5.837063563
HYBRID VEHICLE VS REGULAR VEHICLE
Advantages Better mileage Improved acceleration (most of the time) Less dependence on fossil fuels Lower emissions Some states provide incentives for driving a hybrid Great driving experience Disadvantages Little highway mileage increase High initial cost Needs high fuel cost to be worthwhile Could cost more to repair Extra maintenance items Some hybrids need special tires
QUESTIONS?
