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 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?
Year
Make
Model
MSRP
2010
Toyota
Prius
$22,400.00
2010
Ford
Escape
2010
Ford
Escape Hybrid
$31,500.00
2010
Toyota
Camery
$23,165.00
2010
Toyota
Camery Hybrid
$26,150.00
2010
Ford
Fusion
$24,330.00
2010
Ford
Fusion Hybrid
$27,625.00
2010
Honda
Civic
$18,700.00
2010
Honda
Civic Hybrid
$23,800.00
2010
Toyota
Highlander
$33,070.00
2010
Toyota
Highlander Hybrid
$34,700.00
Hybrid
Combined
Annual
Annual Hybrid
Years to
Premium
MPG
Fuel Cost
Fuel Savings
Break Even
None
46.5
$880.65
$378.00
16.38888889
$597.61
4.994896337
$780.95
4.219220181
$401.47
12.70331532
$167.55
9.728439272
$25,305.00
$6,195.00
$2,985.00
$3,295.00
$5,100.00
$1,630.00
25
$1,638.00
32.5
$1,260.00
22.5
$1,820.00
33.5
$1,222.39
22.2
$1,844.59
38.5
$1,063.64
30
$1,365.00
42.5
$963.53
23.5
$1,742.55
26
$1,575.00
SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?
Year
Make
Model
MSRP
2010
Toyota
Prius
$22,400.00
2010
Ford
Escape
2010
Ford
Escape Hybrid
$31,500.00
2010
Toyota
Camery
$23,165.00
2010
Toyota
Camery Hybrid
$26,150.00
2010
Ford
Fusion
$24,330.00
2010
Ford
Fusion Hybrid
$27,625.00
2010
Honda
Civic
$18,700.00
2010
Honda
Civic Hybrid
$23,800.00
2010
Toyota
Highlander
$33,070.00
2010
Toyota
Highlander Hybrid
$34,700.00
Hybrid
Combined
Annual
Annual Hybrid
Years to
Premium
MPG
Fuel Cost
Fuel Savings
Break Even
None
46.5
$1,467.74
25
$2,730.00
32.5
$2,100.00
$630.00
9.833333333
22.5
$3,033.33
33.5
$2,037.31
$996.02
2.996927773
22.2
$3,074.32
38.5
$1,772.72
$1,301.60
2.531499693
30
$2,275.00
42.5
$1,605.88
$669.12
7.62195122
23.5
$2,904.25
26
$2,625.00
$279.25
5.837063563
$25,305.00
$6,195.00
$2,985.00
$3,295.00
$5,100.00
$1,630.00
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?