Three Things You Should Know About Hybrid Fuel Economy

One of the biggest draws of driving hybrid vehicles is the impressive fuel economy that they offer. In fact, the most efficient gasoline-powered vehicle ever, the 2000 Honda Insight, has a highway rating of 61 mpg and combined city/highway rating of 53 mpg. So what is it about hybrids that gets such good fuel economy? Here’s what you need to know.

Why hybrid fuel economy is so good.
There are actually two different batteries in hybrid cars. One of them is the traditional 12 volt lead acid battery that powers traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The other is the hybrid battery, which basically recharges itself whenever the driver of the car brakes. The car does not just run from one power source — it switches seamlessly between both which means the car is not always burning gasoline.

It actually varies.
Though it’s safe to assume that any hybrid car is going to get better gas mileage than traditional cars, it does vary. Not all hybrid cars are made the same and not all hybrid batteries are made the same. There are a number of different makes and models of hybrids out there — Toyotas, Hondas, Teslas, and Nissan all have hybrid models. Each is different and gets different gas mileage.

There are other factors that affect it.
Just because you drive a hybrid car doesn’t mean you’re going to get the best mpg all the time. Driving habits and how well or poorly you maintain your car can also affect how well your car performs. If you’re heavy footed and accelerate forcefully, you’re going to burn more gas than if you don’t. Additionally, worn or soft tires don’t perform as well maintained tires and can affect a car’s fuel economy.

Do you have any questions about hybrid fuel economy? Feel free to ask us in the comments section below.