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.