Everything You Wanted to Know About Hybrids

1. Everything You Wanted to Know About Hybrids David Butke Automotive Instructor dave.butke@mcc.edu

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES • Series hybrid • Vehicle propulsion is by a electric motor only • ICE is used for charging the HV battery

9. TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES • Parallel hybrid • Uses multiple propulsion energy sources • This means the electric motor and ICE propels the vehicle

10. 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

11. HOW DO I START THIS THING?

12. IS THIS VEHICLE RUNNING?

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?

19. SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?

20. HYBRID VEHICLE VS REGULAR VEHICLE Advantages 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 • 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

21. QUESTIONS?