Everything You Wanted to Know About

Hybrids

David Butke
Automotive Instructor
dave.butke@mcc.edu
 WHAT IS A HYBRID?
• A hybrid is a vehicle that is propelled by
two power sources.
 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
 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
 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
 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
 Basic Components
• Power plant ICE
• Electric motor / Generator
• Battery
• Transmission
• Inverter
TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES
• Series hybrid
– Vehicle propulsion is by a electric motor only
– ICE is used for charging the HV battery
TYPES OF HYBRID VEHICLES
• Parallel hybrid
– Uses multiple propulsion energy sources
– This means the electric motor and ICE propels the
vehicle
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
HOW DO I START THIS THING?
IS THIS VEHICLE RUNNING?
 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
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
 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
 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.
 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
 SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?
Hybrid Combined Annual Annual Hybrid Years to

Premium MPG Fuel Cost Fuel Savings Break Even

Year Make Model MSRP

2010 Toyota Prius $22,400.00 None 46.5 $880.65

2010 Ford Escape $25,305.00 25 $1,638.00

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid $31,500.00 $6,195.00 32.5 $1,260.00 $378.00 16.38888889

2010 Toyota Camery $23,165.00 22.5 $1,820.00

2010 Toyota Camery Hybrid $26,150.00 $2,985.00 33.5 $1,222.39 $597.61 4.994896337

2010 Ford Fusion $24,330.00 22.2 $1,844.59

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid $27,625.00 $3,295.00 38.5 $1,063.64 $780.95 4.219220181

2010 Honda Civic $18,700.00 30 $1,365.00

2010 Honda Civic Hybrid $23,800.00 $5,100.00 42.5 $963.53 $401.47 12.70331532

2010 Toyota Highlander $33,070.00 23.5 $1,742.55

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $34,700.00 $1,630.00 26 $1,575.00 $167.55 9.728439272

 SHOULD I BUY A HYBRID?
Hybrid Combined Annual Annual Hybrid Years to

Premium MPG Fuel Cost Fuel Savings Break Even

Year Make Model MSRP

2010 Toyota Prius $22,400.00 None 46.5 $1,467.74

2010 Ford Escape $25,305.00 25 $2,730.00

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid $31,500.00 $6,195.00 32.5 $2,100.00 $630.00 9.833333333

2010 Toyota Camery $23,165.00 22.5 $3,033.33

2010 Toyota Camery Hybrid $26,150.00 $2,985.00 33.5 $2,037.31 $996.02 2.996927773

2010 Ford Fusion $24,330.00 22.2 $3,074.32

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid $27,625.00 $3,295.00 38.5 $1,772.72 $1,301.60 2.531499693

2010 Honda Civic $18,700.00 30 $2,275.00

2010 Honda Civic Hybrid $23,800.00 $5,100.00 42.5 $1,605.88 $669.12 7.62195122

2010 Toyota Highlander $33,070.00 23.5 $2,904.25

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $34,700.00 $1,630.00 26 $2,625.00 $279.25 5.837063563

 HYBRID VEHICLE VS
REGULAR VEHICLE
Advantages Disadvantages
• Better mileage • Little highway mileage
• Improved acceleration increase
(most of the time) • High initial cost
• Less dependence on • Needs high fuel cost to
fossil fuels be worthwhile
• Lower emissions • Could cost more to repair
• Some states provide • Extra maintenance items
incentives for driving a • Some hybrids need
hybrid special tires
• Great driving experience
QUESTIONS?