Hybrid Vehicle Makers Overstating EPA Mileage

Hybrid cars are moving to mainstream America very quickly.   Ford and Toyota continue to see increases in sales of hybrid vehicles despite the scrutiny and attack of greedy lawyers and their clients waiting for the opportunity bring lawsuit against the automakers.  All of the major automakers have increase production of hybrid cars.   Some companies under the hot-seat of litigation admitted to having overstated their mileage claims. 

CNN money wrote in 2012,  that Hyundai and Kia admitted to overstating their gas mileage estimates and that the testing process was difficult.  The EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) lowered the EPA estimates and prepared new stickers for the vehicles. The mileage figures were lowered two miles per gallon in certain vehicles and other gasoline powered vehicles.  The automaker issued debit cards to the customers involved. 

These are the cars affected but not all of these vehicles are hybrids. http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com
Hyundai: Accent 2012-13, Azera 2012-13, Elantra 2011-13, Genesis 2012-13, Santa Fe Sport 2013, Sonata Hybrid 2011-12, Tucson 2012-13, Veloster 2012-13, Veloster Turbo
KIA: Optima Hybrid 2011-12, Rio 2012-13, Sorento 2012-13, Soul 2012-13, Sportage 2012-13
    
 Gasoline powered and hybrid vehicles were included.  I believe if every automaker were under this scrutiny they would have a few vehicles would not measure up to the retests.
     
Automakers , beware of overstating your EPA estimates.  The automakers are aware of the lawsuit happy consumer  looking for the opportunity for attention and gain.  It is not worth claiming a higher EPA to sell cars.  It may be better to make your EPA estimates lower to stay out of trouble.  Who says that they are allowed to declare lower EPA than reported by the agency?       

 Ford is involved in a case in Massachusetts over the gas mileage of the C-Max hybrid .  Some customers are pleased with their hybrid cars and some are greatly disappointed.     Here are two quotes from customers.. Lawers and Settlements.com

I disagree I guess with everyone I guess.
The MPG from car manufacturers are estimates, real MPG varies based on a person's driving habits, this used to be posted on the stickers that gave a person the guesstimate.
I own a 2012 Veloster and yes I do get 41 - 42 MPG when I am driving approx. 55-60 MPH. But as I accelerate to 65-70 the MPG goes down to 37-38; again BASED ON YOUR DRIVING HABITS!
Also another factor is the quality of gas a person puts in the vehicle.
There are many variables that determine gas mileage.
The only people that really made or will make money off this suit is the lawyers!! As usual!!

   

Jane leasing a 2012 Hyundai sonata hybrid Posted by
   on April 2, 2013
have photo of window sticker saying 35 MPG and 40 MPG/HWY
 not even close, we were scammed!
CLASS ACTION, CLASS ACTION, CLASS ACTION!!!
Tips
Before any owner cries class actions suit,  let another hybrid driver drive your vehicle and compare it to your previous mileage.    Don't forget to brake earlier. 
www.competitionhybrid.com

Hybrid Car Owners Sue, Gas and Diesel Owners Silent.

Hybrid Car Owners Sue ,  Gas and Diesel Owners Silent.

At Competition Hybrid we attempt to compare and compete the newest hybrid cars.  In the process of researching and learning about hybrid cars, we found that there is a fiercer competition between lawyers and automakers that may hinder the great progress of hybrid technologies.  When a gas operated vehicle does not get the EPA rated mileage nothing is said about it and nothing is mentioned in the news, internet or blogs.  Why?  Because their mileage can vary upon how the car is driven.  Let's all sue the automaker, when our gas vehicles do not get the EPA estimated mileage. Why hybrid cars alone are under this scrutiny.   If research and statistics of gasoline powered vehicles were performed some would fail to get the estimated EPA mileage that the stickers promoted. 


















A lawsuit filed in 2006 against Honda, was probably the first of its kind and Heather Peters of Los Angeles was awarded 9867.00 out of the 10,000 allowed in small claims court.   The lawyers received much more.   How many lawsuits have you heard of involving gas mileage of gasoline and diesel engines?  What president did this lawsuit set for the future.

Galen Moore of the Boston Business Journal wrote of another lawsuit in Massachusetts. 

"A Massachusetts resident has filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), claiming her C-Max Hybrid gets only 32 miles per gallon – well below the 47 miles per gallon Ford advertises for the vehicle.  Universal Hub reports the lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, is claiming $5 million in damages for herself and all Massachusetts buyers of Ford's 2013 C-Max and Fusion hybrids.

The lawsuit is the latest of several similar claims against Ford, including potential class-action lawsuits in Pennsylvania and California.  

 

Ford makes standard and plug-in versions of the C-Max gas-electric hybrid."

Despite the lawsuits, hybrid cars are continuing to gain ground in sales as gas prices rise and fall only to higher.  Ford and Toyota continue to see sales rise in the midst the hurricane of greedy lawyers and consumers  Hybrid vehicles are here for the long term.   There needs to be a new standard with hybrid cars because of other factors such as weather, driving performance,  and age of the vehicle.  EPA estimates are not enough.   There is a difference between a good driver and a good hybrid driver.  (I personally love my hybrid car.) Gasoline and Diesel cars do not have such scrutiny.  

www.competitionhybrid.com

 

Honda CR-Z Hybrid vs Ford C-Max Hybrid

Hybrid Car Comparison

HONDA CR-Z  vs. FORD CMAX

 This is by far the sharpest, cutest (for the ladies),  spirited, of the Mini Hybrid class.  How are you going to drive this car? It has a 3-mode drive system.  When you turn the car on it starts in normal mode,  you can push the sport button and the tachometer will turn red and the steering adjust to the driving and the throttle increases.  You can use sport mode driving on the open road and use the six speed manual transmission or the paddle shifters on the CVT Continuous Variable Transmission model.  It is more advantages to drive the 6 speed, due to the increase in torque.   127 @ 1000-3000 (CVT) and the six speed 140 @ 1000-2000 (6MT).  That is a noticeable difference.  

When you feel the need for acceleration you can press the S+ or if you need economy or you are stuck in traffic you can use the ECO mode.   It is just has two seats, and a flexible back cargo system.  Honda CR-Z is very impressive. 
This Honda hybrid car should be considered a niche car.  This car would be the only Mini Sport Hybrid in this class.  

This is one of the best hybrid  cars in the MiniHybrids class.  When more cars are made like this, we will have to make a new class.  We would like to give it some competition so I decided to compete this car with the spry Ford C-Max hybrid.

 

The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi have an advanced powertrain which includes a 2.0L I-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor generating 188 total system horsepower, delivering the responsive power when you need it.  Those that drive it prefer it over the Prius due its power to overtake and addition power for the uphill climbs. You wont be embarrassed by its acceleration. 


C-Max Review
The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid model has the best combined MPGe in the Mini Hybrid class, with an EPA-estimated 108 city/92 hwy/100 combined MPGe.   47/47 C-Max hybrid.  www.Ford.com

Ford vehicles have a traction control system. If you plan on doing a lot of accelerating you should turn off the traction control system for a brief period 
C-Max 0-60 traction control settings


The C-MAX has enough horsepower and torque to compete with the Honda CR-Z.  The C-Max Hybrid is fast and practical.  I could imagine a parent buying a Honda CR-Z for their son because of its stylish nature. Although the Ford C-Max is small, it can handle a family and it has enough power to challenge the CR-Z.   Ford may introduce sportier hybrids as they become more popular. (My advise to Ford; always invest in a cool sport version for every model of your vehicles)  C-Max-Z would be a cool vehicle.   

 Compare these two vehicles for yourself.

How to drive your hybrid car

 Previously we discusses the trend of lawsuits against the makers of hybrid cars, because they are not getting the estimated mileage they claim on their  EPA stickers. ( Lawsuits over gas mileage in hybrid vehicles.)  The lawyers receive hundreds of dollars and the consumers that filed the suit receive a small compensation.  Some of these lawsuits may be justifiable but some are not.   Some consumers don't know how to best drive their hybrid vehicle.

I.  Understand how a hybrid car operates. 

1. Hybrids feature regenerative braking, that allows the inertia of the car to recharge the batteries when the driver presses the brake.  The electric engine becomes a generator and recharges the battery slowly.  BMW has a good video to demonstrate the concept. 

     2.  Know your display and gauges.  This is crucial because the gauges will tell you when you are recharging the battery and when the battery is being used and depleted.   Some hybrid cars allow you to change gauges and display to accommodate the way you want to drive.  Because all hybrid cars are different I recommend that you choose the gauges that suit the gas saving mode and not the sport mode.  Your dealer should have given you hands on training the day you drove the vehicle.    

         

     3.  Understand that the vehicle needs to be charged to get optimum fuel efficiency.

Do not leave the vehicle running for prolonged periods. (That is easy to do with a hybrid because they are quiet.) Just like any vehicle, if it is not moving the gas mileage is zero.   If you own a plug in hybrid, don't be lazy, plug it in at when you have opportunity to do so and enjoy the savings.  

Ford Fusion Display

II.  Understand how to drive the vehicle.  

1.  Focus on using the electric engine.  Use your display/gauges.

The more you use the electric engine the more you save on gas, when your gauges are green keep or you are in electric only mode, keep up the good work.  When the gas engine powers up,  and you are not on a hill or trying to pass,  take your foot off the accelerator a bit to see if the electric engine can handle the speed in which you are driving.  You paid for that electric engine; make sure you are using it to its fullest.

2.  Focus on acceleration to switch to electric.   Manage the transitions.

Most cars use the most gas in the acceleration phase.  Do not accelerate too slowly unless you are in a place where the speed limits prohibits.   Accelerate and then try to release the petal for just a second, and press it again.  If the electric engine takes over you are managing the transition correctly.  Some recommend aggressive acceleration until you are at cruising speed.  Get to know your vehicle.  You will learn your vehicles cruising speed with practice.

3.  Focus on longer braking times.

 Remember the batteries are being recharged during braking.  Quick stopping means you are not charging the batteries and you can expect poor  gas mileage for a few hours.  If the mechanical brakes apply too quickly all that braking energy is wasted.  If your batteries are low, try to lengthen your braking times by braking early and lightly. Do not underestimate the power of this braking energy! That is a real key to keep your mileage up. 




 If you are always in hurry, please do not get a hybrid car.  Hybrid driving is safer driving anyway.


These just a few things that will help an interested hybrid driver to save gas and electricity.

The Fastest Hybrid Car

2013 Infiniti M35h

What is the fastest hybrid car of 2013?  It is the Infiniti M Hybrid. This car is a performance hybrid and it is the best buy among the Power Hybrids, but it not cheap by any means.  It delivers 360 horsepower and it maintains a estimated 32 mpg with a 3.5-L V6 Hybrid Powertrain.
Fastest Hybrid Car (video)
 This is a sexy car full of luxury and innovation.  It is a great blend of power, performance, luxury and fuel economy.  

Who said, hybrid cars are slow!  

                                                                

   The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid5

I don't believe BMW's goal was to build the fastest hybrid car.  They built the second fastest car without that goal in mind because of their attention to detail and excellence.  This car is considered the best hybrid car in many categories.  It is one of my personal favorite. I love this car! This vehicle boasts a BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 6-cylinder. I personally believe this race would depend upon the driver.  See some of the stats below.

See BMW ActiveHybrid 5 

  blog by www. competitionhybrid.com

Hybrid car cost comparison, mileage, torque and acceleration.

	Starting Retail Price	City/Hwy MPG	HP / Lb-Ft	Seconds 0-60 mph
2013 Infiniti M35h	$55,545	27/32	360/457	5.2
2013 BMW ActiveHybrid5	$61,100	23/30	335/330	5.7
stats from www.tflcar.com