Rajan Wilcox
Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their high fuel economy and reduced running costs. The way you drive a hybrid car can significantly impact its efficiency, and there are several ways to improve fuel consumption. This includes planning quicker routes to cut down journey lengths, using cruise control to maintain a constant speed, and removing unnecessary weight from the car. Additionally, many hybrid cars come with an economy mode that can be activated to improve fuel economy. This article will explore these strategies and more to help you get the most out of your hybrid car's fuel efficiency.
How to save fuel in a hybrid car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use ECO mode | Before long motorway journeys, switch to ECO mode to preserve battery energy and consume less fuel |
| Drive style | Accelerate gently, brake early, and keep a constant speed using cruise control |
| Remove unnecessary weight | Take unnecessary items out of the boot and cabin to save weight |
| Remove roof racks/boxes | Remove when not in use as they negatively impact the vehicle's aerodynamics |
| Regular servicing | Ensure all components are performing as they should |
| Route planning | Plan ahead to choose the quickest route and avoid disruptions like traffic jams |
| Use regenerative braking | Reapply excess power used while braking to recharge the battery |
| Use a plug-in hybrid | Use electricity from an outlet to reduce fuel costs |
| Use a larger electric motor | Allows the vehicle to use electricity at higher speeds than regular hybrids |
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What You'll Learn
Drive in Eco mode
Driving in Eco mode is one of the simplest ways to improve the efficiency of your hybrid car. Before starting a long journey on the motorway, switch to Eco mode to preserve the battery's energy and consume less fuel.
Eco mode, or "economical mode", improves your car's fuel economy as you drive. It enhances energy efficiency by limiting the engine's output, as well as air conditioning and interior lighting. When you switch to Eco mode, the engine doesn't work as hard and places less demand on the car's battery.
You should drive at a relaxed pace with Eco mode on. Avoid heavy acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a constant speed. This may be difficult in certain driving conditions, such as merging onto highways, passing, or navigating steep roads, where acceleration and power are required. In these situations, Eco mode could be unsafe as you may be unable to accelerate as needed.
While Eco mode may not always provide significant fuel savings, it can still help you save on fuel costs over time. It can also help to reduce carbon emissions and promote a more economical and environmentally friendly driving style.
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Remove excess weight
The weight of a vehicle has a direct impact on its fuel efficiency. For every 10% reduction in weight, there is a comparable 10% reduction in the force required to accelerate or decelerate. This is because a lighter vehicle requires less fuel to be accelerated and can brake faster, reducing the time spent accelerating and decelerating, and therefore the amount of fuel consumed.
To improve the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car, it is important to remove excess weight. This can be done in a number of ways, some more extreme than others. Firstly, and most simply, remove any unnecessary items from the boot and cabin. This could include tools, spare parts, or other items that are not essential for the journey. If you have a roof rack or roof box, take it off when it's not in use, as it will negatively impact the vehicle's aerodynamics, increasing drag and therefore fuel consumption.
For those looking to make more significant weight reductions, it is possible to remove the rear seats, or even the passenger seat, to reduce weight. This can be a more involved process, as it may require the removal of bolts and other fixings, but it can have a noticeable impact on the vehicle's weight. It is also possible to replace heavy parts with lightweight aftermarket alternatives, such as custom carbon-fibre components.
It is important to note that while reducing weight can improve fuel efficiency, it is also important to consider the safety and structural integrity of the vehicle. Some weight reduction methods, such as removing seats, may not be legal for road use, and it is important to check the regulations in your area. Additionally, while improving fuel efficiency, removing weight may also impact the comfort and practicality of the vehicle, so it is important to find a balance that suits your needs.
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Plan shorter journeys
One of the simplest ways to improve the efficiency of your hybrid car is to cut the length of your journeys. Planning shorter trips will help you avoid situations where you are regularly changing speed, which harms fuel economy. Traffic jams, for example, can cause you to use more fuel.
Planning your journey in advance can help you choose the quickest route and avoid disruptions. This will help you save fuel. You can also use tools like the My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator to estimate fuel costs based on your driving habits and fuel costs.
If you are embarking on a long journey, switching to ECO mode will help you preserve the battery's energy and consume less fuel. Some hybrid cars, like the 2020 Prius, have an Eco Drive Monitor that shows you when you're using the gas or electric engine, making it easier to stay on top of your fuel consumption.
If you are driving a manual car, keep an eye on the gear shift indicator to see when to change gear at the optimum time. If cruise control is available, use it to keep a constant speed.
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Use regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is a mechanism found on most hybrid vehicles. It is a highly efficient system that captures the car's kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electrical power, charging the high-voltage battery. This process, known as engine braking, slows the car down and assists the traditional brakes.
Regenerative braking is particularly effective in city driving, where constant stops and starts allow for more energy recovery, keeping the battery charged and enhancing vehicle efficiency. This technology is also beneficial on downhill roads, helping to maintain control without relying heavily on conventional brakes. The system improves overall efficiency by reducing the reliance on the engine and mechanical brakes, resulting in lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
To activate regenerative braking, simply remove your foot from the accelerator, or, in some cases, press the brake pedal. This action triggers the electric motor to act as a generator, capturing and reusing energy from braking. The process provides a stopping force, although it may not be as effective as conventional brakes, especially at high speeds. Therefore, hybrid vehicles typically use both regenerative and conventional braking systems.
Regenerative braking offers a smoother and more comfortable driving experience, especially in urban settings with frequent stops. It provides gradual deceleration through the electric motor, making city driving more seamless and energy-efficient. This technology not only improves fuel efficiency but also significantly reduces brake wear and tear, extending the lifespan of the braking system and lowering maintenance costs.
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Choose the right hybrid model
Choosing the right hybrid model is essential for maximising fuel efficiency. The first step is to consider your driving habits, especially the distances you typically drive between recharging. Plug-in hybrids, for example, use high-capacity batteries to operate on electricity for significant distances, but the distance you can drive on electricity alone will vary by model. If you're driving long distances, a plug-in hybrid with a good electric range could be a good option to save on fuel costs.
The Toyota Prius, for example, is a well-known hybrid model that offers excellent fuel efficiency. The Prius has an Eco Drive Monitor that shows you when you're using the gas or electric engine, helping you stay on top of your fuel consumption. It also uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery and has a seamless transition between its 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine and electric motor. The Prius is available in All-Wheel Drive, which provides excellent traction, and as a plug-in model, the Prius Prime, which offers a longer total driving range than any other plug-in electric car.
Another option to consider is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which has a fuel efficiency rating of 4.4L for 100 km in the city and 4.5L for 100 km on the highway. The Corolla Hybrid recharges on the go, so you don't have to worry about plugging it in.
If you're looking for a spacious option, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight people and is designed with busy families in mind. It has a powerful gas and electric HSD powertrain that maximises efficiency, so you can trust it to get you where you need to go while saving on fuel.
Remember, each hybrid model will have unique features and tips to maximise fuel efficiency, so be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some general tips to save fuel in a hybrid car:
- Keep your car lightweight. Remove any unnecessary items from the boot and cabin.
- Plan your journeys ahead of time to avoid traffic jams and choose the quickest route.
- Use cruise control when driving at a constant speed on the motorway or a long dual carriageway.
- Use the Eco mode on your car when starting a long motorway journey to preserve the battery's energy and consume less fuel.
The 2020 Toyota Prius is known for its fuel efficiency. It comes with an Eco Drive Monitor that shows you when you're using the gas or electric engine, making it easier to manage your fuel consumption. The Prius also uses regenerative braking to recharge its battery. The 2020 Prius Prime is the plug-in version of the Prius and offers the longest total driving range of any plug-in electric car.
The 2019 Highlander Hybrid is another fuel-efficient option, designed for families with seating for 7 or 8. It comes with a gas-and-electric HSD powertrain and Continuously Variable Transmission to maximize efficiency.
Plug-in hybrids save fuel by:
- Using high-capacity batteries that allow them to operate on electricity for significant distances.
- Using larger electric motors that allow the vehicle to use electricity at higher speeds than regular hybrids.
- Using regenerative braking to recover energy typically wasted when applying the brakes.
