What is MPG of hybrid without the battery?

[AeroModder]

Wouldn't the Mazda MX3 come close to the 1st gen Insight in terms of shape?


To answer the original question, since the hybrid models pay more attention to drag reduction and have smaller engines, it would get probably 5 MPGs more without the hybrid drivetrain.

[NiHaoMike]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

The funny thing is, hybrids get better mileage when you don't use electric assist and regen. Driving without brakes outperforms regenerative braking every time. Electric assist needs to be paid back with interest, so I avoid that too.

What about use something other than gasoline to recharge the batteries? You could make it a PHEV and plug it in. Or use a pedal generator to recharge the batteries.

[The Atomic Ass]

Originally Posted by itsnotme1988

It would basically be like a Metro with better technology, no? Tiny engine, light weight (hybrid - batteries.)

In the case of the Prius, it would be neither. The Prius has a half-ton run on the Metro, (as it's a bigger car, Prius qualifies as a small sedan, I would think), and both engines the Prius has had thus far have been larger than either offering's in the Metro. 1.0 and 1.3 for the Metro vs. 1.5 and 1.8 for the Prius.

Though I think driven right, the Prius can compete with a Metro.

[comptiger5000]

Keep in mind, part of that half-ton is batteries. Get rid of the batteries, and you can get rid of a few hundred pounds.

[Daox]

The Prius battery pack only weighs 100 lbs (according to wikipedia). Not a huge weight savings there.

[comptiger5000]

Wow. I thought the Prius had a bit more battery than that.

[Daox]

Nah, its really not much. I just looked up the specs on the new 2010 models. The 2010 Toyota Matrix weighs in at 2865 lbs (5 speed manual), and the 2010 Prius weighs in at 3042. Its only a 177 lb difference for a very similar car (size wise).