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Please tell me about hybrid cars

3 replies

Icimoi · 10/11/2019 12:26

Just got a second hand Toyota Yaris hybrid, generally I'm pretty pleased with it, but there's a couple of little niggles around the hybrid function which I hope people can tell me aren't really.

Firstly, there doesn't seem to be much logic around when it does or does not go into electric mode, particularly on town roads. I can be happily buzzing along with eco sign showing, I have to slow down fractionally for some reason, as soon as I touch the accelerator again the sign goes off and stays off for quite a long time. Why? Surely if it had enough power before, speeding up 5-10 mph to go back to the previous speed shouldn't make that much difference?

Also there are times when it seems to me to rev a lot, particularly at traffic lights and things. Should it?

OP posts:
Groundfloor · 10/11/2019 14:23

Firstly, Toyota make the best hybrid systems and have been doing it longest. They're extensively proven.

The computer has to manage a series of factors to decide what is the best form or propulsion at any given moment. These often include factors that might not instantly spring to mind.

For example, one of the important elements is to get the catalytic converter in the normal exhaust system up to operating temperature as quickly as possible, so that when it is using the internal combustion engine, it is doing so with minimum emissions. This will require the engine to run at times when logic or owner perception suggests it shouldn't.

If after a period of using mostly electric power, the catalytic converter can cool down to a degree where it needs to run the engine just to keep it within the optimal operating temperature window, often at slightly elevated revs.

Also, as the system uses both a regular battery and the main hybrid batteries, these also need to be kept at optimum charge. The petrol engine not only contributes to the drive of the car, but also acts like a generator to recharge the batteries - again at times which might not seem logical.

Hybrids are at their most consistent when they are large and joined to a big engine like in a big SUV etc, where much of the variance can be smoothed out and blended more seamlessly.

On a small car such as a Yaris, there is less scope to 'blend and absorb' the levels of charge and power capacity, so you will notice it switching between power sources and 'doing its thing' more readily.

As the transmission that blends the electric motor and petrol engine together is very different to a conventional gearbox, it, by its very design will permit and encourage the use of higher engine revs than in a normal car at times, especially when accelerating, as it chooses the desired power level (as requested by your right foot) and sets the engine at the revs required to deliver that power and just holds it there until your power demands have been satisfied.

Overall, they are great, but do come with some quirks and idiosyncrasies that can take some getting used too when compared to a conventional car - all of which are highlighted and slightly exaggerated on a smaller, compact hybrid system.

Hope that helps.

Icimoi · 10/11/2019 18:43

Thanks, that's really helpful, @Groundfloor. I didn't quite know what to expect and, as it's second hand, didn't know whether I should be worried or not.

Just one thing - sometimes it revs when I'm simply waiting in a traffic queue, i.e. with no pressure on the accelerator. Would that basically just be because it's generating more power for the electric engine?

OP posts:
Groundfloor · 10/11/2019 19:09

Pretty much yes, especially if you've been doing a lot of electric only driving or stop start, which uses lots of electric power.

If it's reving very high, equivalent to say 3,000 rpm (motorway revs), then that is a problem, but if it's more akin to the slight rise in revs you'd give a normal car before lifting the clutch to pull away, then yes, that's fine as long as it doesn't do this all the time and settles down to idle after short period.

If you are concerned, most Toyota dealerships would be happy to have a member of staff accompany you up the road to give a second opinion as to whether it's normal or not, but typically, if something is wrong with a hybrid system, the dash lights up like Blackpool.

I found this POV driving video from a Yaris Hybrid - maybe watch this and see if it sounds the same as yours?

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