Hybrids less efficient than ICE

[basjoos]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But he's willing to tolerate its inability to get out of its own way without hybrid assist
.

I don't know what all this talk is about hybrids not being able to get out of their own way without the use of hybrid assist. Modern cars are way overpowered compared to the cars from the past. The 1st gen Insight (sans hybrid assist) is higher powered (67hp ICE, 1887lbs., 2 seats) than a 68 VW Beetle (54hp, 1900lbs., 4 seats). I drove a 68 bug for years and had no problem getting around in busy traffic. A hybrid without assist has about the same power to weight ratio as the typical car from the 60's and 70's, and, except the Rabbit diesels, we didn't consider them to be sluggish in traffic.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by basjoos

I don't know what all this talk is about hybrids not being able to get out of their own way without the use of hybrid assist.

Practical experience, having owned one for what, eight years now. The worst is taking off from a standing start, especially if you're on a bit of an incline (as I have to do to get out of my side road on to the main, and at times busy, highway). If the assist doesn't kick in, I'm lucky to get going at all.

[user removed]

Heck try a 58 Bug with about half the 68s horsepower, or a 59 AH Sprite at about 1200 pounds and maybe 40-45 HP, but the doors would hardly stop a shopping cart.

regards
Mech

[Frank Lee]

Try a Microbus with an engine no more powerful than a Bug's!

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Heck try a 58 Bug with about half the 68s horsepower, or a 59 AH Sprite at about 1200 pounds and maybe 40-45 HP...
Mech

Have done: if not those exact models, then similar -I think my Sprite was a '61 model. Different gearing, I suspect. Or perhaps an engine tuned to produce more low-end torque. Anyway, they would get up and go, where the Insight W/O assist just doesn't.

Anyhow, if you think the performance of a hybrid on ICE engine only is adequate, that just means you can downsize the engine further. Same with any other improvement in ICE efficiency: add the hybrid system to it, and you increase efficiency by the same factor.

[MPGranger]

Why would ICE advances outpace Hybrid Tech? Wouldn't half the Hybrid Tech be included in ICE advances? I know the true answer is that, to keep costs down, the most radical ICE treatments don't make it on the more expensive hybrid models.

Realistically, the most practical AND efficient vehicle would be a TDI series/parallel hybrid. But this would cost a lot!