To not understand fuel economy for hybrid cars?

[SusieSheepie]

So it seems pretty accepted that the best speed for fuel economy is 45-50mph.

I've just bought a used hybrid car (2015 Yaris).

Am I right in thinking that with a hybrid the best for fuel economy is actually when I'm going much slower, like 25-30mph? As then it's using some battery power?

Or will it still be 45-50mph?

I'm very confused!

Depends on how you have it set up I imagine. Mine can be driven just on the battery, just on the normal engine or on a mixed setting where it uses the battery up to 30mph and the normal engine above that.

I have no idea but one thing I do know is that your speed should not just be about fuel economy but also about safety. Driving at 25-30mph on many roads that don't have a <30mph limit is very dangerous.

You get the best of both worlds, the petrol engine e will be most efficient at around 45-60mph and where it is inefficient eg in traffic and around town the hybrid battery takes more of the burden.

Therefore your overall fuel consumption is reduced

Ah thank you! So the hybrid electric bit only really kicks in at low speeds? And above a certain mph it will all be petrol?

Well yes obviously I'm not going to be driving down a motorway at 25mph. But often there is a choice of routes to get places which are motorway Vs going through towns etc.

I've got a Yaris hybrid (2024 model) and the fuel efficiency is amazing.

I know it charges the battery when you are accelerating and the electric mode kicks in when you are going a flat speed or going down hills etc. The electric does kick in more at lower speeds but can also kick in at higher speeds sometimes.

Surprisingly, some of my most fuel-efficient journeys can be at lower speeds when going through towns and then on the 40-mph country road when going home.

Oh interesting, so sounds like the town routes could be better for me too.