MPG of a hybrids not a lot different from a regular cars, hybrids have 80% less emissions, where does CO2 go?

Question

I looked at a hybrid Toyota Highlander and the mileage was not much different than a regular Highlander -- within a few mpg's of each other. But the hybrid has 80% less emissions. So you are putting in about the same amount of gas and getting 80% less emissions out. Where does the difference go? Or how is this explained?

Answer 1

The engine in a hybrid runs at full throttle all the time so it's never starved for oxygen like a throttled engine.

The resulting burn is cleaner.

It'd be nice if it were supercharged.

Answer 2

It only takes about a 10% improvement in mpg to reduce emissions by about 80%. That's probably the case here.

Answer 3

Best check out what conditions it was tested at. In the city, it uses energy from braking to recharge the battery's, on the highway, it's running on fuel. Manufactures are notorious for lying, so look deep.

Answer 4

I figure that they are factoring in the idling at red lights and in traffic. The hybrids motor shut off in these situations.

Answer 5

usually a hybrids engine is operating in its most efficient range and is at a steady rpm. that gives it the clean air edge

Answer 6

I think the manufacturers suck it out as a marketing work....