Would a hybrid vehicle run efficiently in cold weather?

Question

I am living in Fairbanks AK, and well it gets pretty cold here (-40/-50 F) during the winter. I am looking into getting a new vehicle and have heard that a hybrid would not be an ideal vehicle here because they don't run well in cold weather. I am hoping someone can either confirm or deny this rumour, and if it wouldn't run, why not?

Answer 1

Full hybrids that use a nickel metal hydride battery to store a charge for additional power and range. Nickel metal hydride batteries do have to be charged and discharged to achieve full capacity, so expect that you will not get the same performance up there as you will in the lower 49. But I'm sure you're used to that.

Toyota torture tests thier vehicles in places like Alaska, and the hybrids are no exception. You should have no trouble with the electrical systems because they do not rely on lubricating fluids like an internal combustion engine that can freeze up. There is a lead acid battery like those found in standard cars that gives a signal to the computers to start the car when you press the start button. But I'm sure you're accustomed to standard batteries up there and know what to do with them.

One of the benefits to a Prius, for example, that would help in your situation is the addition of a vacuum storage tank under the driver's side headlamp. When you shut off the Prius, electric pumps move heated coolant into this tank and it's designed to keep the coolant hot until the gas engine starts again, up to three days later. Probably not that long at -40/-50, but much better than just sitting in a radiator.

In a climate like yours, the gas engine will run continuously to produce heat for the cabin. Just know that you will not be running on only electricity for most of the year.

So, would it be worth it? It depends on what you need your vehicle to do and how many miles you drive. If you truly need towing capability, 4WD, and the ability to carry eight passengers, than consider a hybrid SUV.

If you need to go from A to B mostly by yourself and you only drive 5-10,000 miles a year on good roads, then you can get by with a small car like the Toyota Yaris or a Honda Fit.

If your needs fall somewhere in-between those two extremes, then consider a hybrid sedan if you feel strongly about using less fuel overall, having a more advanced vehicle with less mechanical moving parts (more electrical motors), and having less of a environmental impact overall, then that may be the way to go.

Answer 2

Cold weather does have an adverse effect on batteries so give it a miss Diesel turbo is the way to go the new glow plugs allow for instant start and go.~~

Answer 3

I don't know how well battery technology works in that cold.May have problems holding a charge.They aren't the usual lead-acid type batt's

Answer 4

It would run perfectly fine.