Everything You Wanted to Know About Hybrids

David ButkeAutomotive Instructordave.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 framework—in 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 Combined Annual Annual Hybrid Years to

Year Make Model MSRPPremium MPG Fuel Cost Fuel Savings Break Even

2010 Toyota Prius $22,400.00 None 46.5 $880.65    

 

2010 Ford Escape $25,305.00   25 $1,638.00

$378.00 16.388888892010 Ford Escape Hybrid $31,500.00 $6,195.00 32.5 $1,260.00

 

2010 Toyota Camery $23,165.00   22.5 $1,820.00

$597.61 4.9948963372010 Toyota Camery Hybrid $26,150.00 $2,985.00 33.5 $1,222.39

 

2010 Ford Fusion $24,330.00   22.2 $1,844.59

$780.95 4.2192201812010 Ford Fusion Hybrid $27,625.00 $3,295.00 38.5 $1,063.64

 

2010 Honda Civic $18,700.00   30 $1,365.00

$401.47 12.703315322010 Honda Civic Hybrid $23,800.00 $5,100.00 42.5 $963.53

 

2010 Toyota Highlander $33,070.00   23.5 $1,742.55

$167.55 9.7284392722010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $34,700.00 $1,630.00 26 $1,575.00

SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?

       Hybrid Combined Annual Annual Hybrid Years to

Year Make Model MSRPPremium MPG Fuel Cost Fuel Savings Break Even

2010 Toyota Prius $22,400.00 None 46.5 $1,467.74    

 

2010 Ford Escape $25,305.00   25 $2,730.00

$630.00 9.8333333332010 Ford Escape Hybrid $31,500.00 $6,195.00 32.5 $2,100.00

 

2010 Toyota Camery $23,165.00   22.5 $3,033.33

$996.02 2.9969277732010 Toyota Camery Hybrid $26,150.00 $2,985.00 33.5 $2,037.31

 

2010 Ford Fusion $24,330.00   22.2 $3,074.32

$1,301.60 2.5314996932010 Ford Fusion Hybrid $27,625.00 $3,295.00 38.5 $1,772.72

 

2010 Honda Civic $18,700.00   30 $2,275.00

$669.12 7.621951222010 Honda Civic Hybrid $23,800.00 $5,100.00 42.5 $1,605.88

 

2010 Toyota Highlander $33,070.00   23.5 $2,904.25

$279.25 5.8370635632010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $34,700.00 $1,630.00 26 $2,625.00

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?