Quote:
Originally Posted by EVmetro
...how many of them actually understand the principles of physics and thermal dynamics? Are hybrids really any more fuel efficient than a regular full time gasoline burning car?
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1. Add me to the list of hybrid owners that understand the principles of thermal dynamics.
2. Yes, hybrids really are more fuel efficient than their ICE-only counterparts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EVmetro
I am very interested in finding out if there is some scientific explanation that shows how hybrids really do use less fuel than a comparable ICE. So far, all I can see that is unique about hybrids, is that they are able to harvest a portion of braking energy and distribute it at the appropriate time.
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The scientific explanation is that an electric motor can allow the gas engine to be sized smaller and tuned less powerfully while maintaining the consumers expectation for acceleration. Comparing hybrids with their non-hybrid counterparts bears this out.
Regen is a small part of the efficiency equation. A smaller, more efficient engine is a larger factor.
My Prius is the plug-in version, so most of the trips it makes consumes zero gasoline. Coming back down from the mountain today, I regained about 5 EV miles due to extensive regen. I can run the ICE when there is a high demand for power, which is the most efficient use of the ICE, and run the electric motor when the demand for power is low. I'm probably averaging 75 MPG compared to my TSX, which with great effort, achieves 30 MPG. The 2 cars are comparable in weight and size, with the Prius having more utility.