Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Autos & Motorcycles

by YouWinImOuttaHere on May 1st, 2007

YouWinImOuttaHere

Question

Help answer this question below.

I have heard and read that the hybrid cars and SUV's are really only better mileage wise if you drive slowly in town (under 40) versus highway or above 40 mph. So are they really that much better if you drive 50-50 - above 40 and below 40 mph?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.

  • by geek860 on May 2nd, 2007

    geek860

    When you have enough time on your hands you can find problems with any vehicle. The fact is that hybrids use a very small gas engine that is assisted by an electric engine. Some can go full-electric even. So, at low speeds, the gas engine doesn't need to do much and therefore the mileage improves as the electric handles most of the work. But, on the highway, with constant drag and high speed, both engines usually have to work. Since they are small, they may have to work hard (depending on speed, etc). So, those fuel efficient engines start to use more gas than a bigger single gas engine would. It's like putting a 1.8L 4cylinder engine in a hummer. Sure, it's efficient, but it has to work so dam hard to move the thing that it ends up using more gas than a v6. Hybrids are mainly made for low speed travel. They will achieve excellent mileage with good driving habits. If you don't spend too much time on highways you will see better mileage.

    It's complex, but I hope that helps you a bit.

    (I'm waiting for all the hybrid fanatics to nit-pick my answer)

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading I have heard and read that the hybrid cars and SUV's are really only better mileage wise if you drive slowly in town (under 40) versus highway or above 40 mph. So are they really that much better if you drive 50-50 - above 40 and below 40 mph?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

Answerbag

a Demand Media company