Everything You Wanted to Know About Hybrids

David Butke Automotive Instructor dave.butke@mcc.edu

WHAT IS A HYBRID?
A hybrid is a vehicle that is propelled by two power sources.

OBJECTIVES
Types of hybrid vehicles Hybrid vehicle operation Commonly asked questions about hybrids The pay back rate of hybrids Advantages and disadvantages of owning a hybrid

LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Full hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Most are capable of using the electric motor alone to propel the vehicle The electric motor also assists the engine Battery voltages are about 200 to 300 volts

LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Medium hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Most are not capable of using the electric motor alone to propel the vehicle The electric motor usually assists the engine Battery voltages are about 144 to 158 volts

LEVELS OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Mild Hybrid
They feature idle-stop function Regenerative braking Are not capable of using the electric motor to propel the vehicle These systems are usually 42 volts or less

Basic Components
Power plant ICE Electric motor / Generator Battery Transmission Inverter

TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Series hybrid
Vehicle propulsion is by a electric motor only ICE is used for charging the HV battery

TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Parallel hybrid
Uses multiple propulsion energy sources This means the electric motor and ICE propels the vehicle

TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES

Series-parallel hybrid
These vehicles can operate using the electric motor alone or with assist of the ICE They combine both functions of series and parallel design

HOW DO I START THIS THING?

IS THIS VEHICLE RUNNING?

Maintenance
Hybrid vehicles require the same maintenance as regular vehicles However, some hybrids require inverter flushes and battery filter changes. There be additional costs involved in replacing low rolling resistance tires. Vehicle repairs may cost more than a regular vehicle

HOW LONG WILL A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY LAST?

Most hybrid high voltage batteries last 180,000 to 240,000 miles Manufacture battery warranties
Honda
8 years / 80,000 miles

Toyota
8 years / 100,000 miles

Ford
8 years / 100,000 miles

General Motors
8 years / 100,000 miles

ARE HYBRID VEHICLES SAFE?

YES!
The following will disable the high voltage system
High voltage interlock circuit Airbag deployment High voltage leak Removing battery negative

WHAT HAPPENS IF A HYBRID VEHICLE IS SUBMERGED IN WATER?

There is no risk of electric shock from touching the car's body or frameworkin or out of the water.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO INSURE A HYBRID VEHICLE?

Some insurance companies indicate that drivers of hybrid vehicles are a lower risk.
May save 5-10% on insurance costs by owning a hybrid vehicle

SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?

Hybrid Premium None Combined MPG 46.5 Annual Fuel Cost $880.65 Annual Hybrid Fuel Savings Years to Break Even Year 2010 Make Toyota Prius Model MSRP $22,400.00

2010 2010

Ford Ford

Escape Escape Hybrid

$25,305.00 $31,500.00 $6,195.00

25 32.5

$1,638.00 $1,260.00 $378.00 16.38888889

2010 2010

Toyota Toyota

Camery Camery Hybrid

$23,165.00 $26,150.00 $2,985.00

22.5 33.5

$1,820.00 $1,222.39 $597.61 4.994896337

2010
2010

Ford
Ford

Fusion
Fusion Hybrid

$24,330.00
$27,625.00 $3,295.00

22.2
38.5

$1,844.59
$1,063.64 $780.95 4.219220181

2010 2010

Honda Honda

Civic Civic Hybrid

$18,700.00 $23,800.00 $5,100.00

30 42.5

$1,365.00 $963.53 $401.47 12.70331532

2010 2010

Toyota Toyota

Highlander Highlander Hybrid

$33,070.00 $34,700.00 $1,630.00

23.5 26

$1,742.55 $1,575.00 $167.55 9.728439272

SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?

Hybrid Premium Combined MPG Annual Fuel Cost Annual Hybrid Fuel Savings Years to Break Even Year Make Model MSRP

2010

Toyota

Prius

$22,400.00

None

46.5

$1,467.74

2010 2010

Ford Ford

Escape Escape Hybrid

$25,305.00 $31,500.00 $6,195.00

25 32.5

$2,730.00 $2,100.00 $630.00 9.833333333

2010 2010

Toyota Toyota

Camery Camery Hybrid

$23,165.00 $26,150.00 $2,985.00

22.5 33.5

$3,033.33 $2,037.31 $996.02 2.996927773

2010 2010

Ford Ford

Fusion Fusion Hybrid

$24,330.00 $27,625.00 $3,295.00

22.2 38.5

$3,074.32 $1,772.72 $1,301.60 2.531499693

2010 2010

Honda Honda

Civic Civic Hybrid

$18,700.00 $23,800.00 $5,100.00

30 42.5

$2,275.00 $1,605.88 $669.12 7.62195122

2010

Toyota

Highlander

$33,070.00

23.5

$2,904.25

2010

Toyota

Highlander Hybrid

$34,700.00

$1,630.00

26

$2,625.00

$279.25

5.837063563

HYBRID VEHICLE VS REGULAR VEHICLE

Advantages Better mileage Improved acceleration (most of the time) Less dependence on fossil fuels Lower emissions Some states provide incentives for driving a hybrid Great driving experience Disadvantages Little highway mileage increase High initial cost Needs high fuel cost to be worthwhile Could cost more to repair Extra maintenance items Some hybrids need special tires

QUESTIONS?