Are hybrids really all that more fuel efficient? I have heard that the stats given are false.?

Question

I am looking now. Saturn Vue looks good - at least less expensive.

Answer 1

Yes, hybrids are significantly more fuel efficient than non-hybrids.

People have complained that the Prius doesn't get the advertised 55 mpg, but no cars get the mileage estimated by the EPA prior to 2008 because the EPA tested them under ideal conditions. In reality the Prius gets about 50 mpg, not a huge decrease from the estimates.

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/118986/article.html

The Vue hybrid is okay for an SUV, getting about 29 mpg (according to 2008 EPA estimates whicha are more accurate). It only costs about $3500 more than the regular Vue, which just gets 23 mpg.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/comparison/results.html;_ylt=AjqjpmjBHoUjD.FFHzADHhwJc78F;_ylv=3?pagetitle=overview&carid0=21628&carid1=21938&compare=Compare+cars

That's about a 26% mileage increase, which is normal for an SUV hybrid. Hybrid cars are more efficient because they're lighter. The Civic hybrid is about a 43% mileage efficiency improvement over the regular Civic, for example.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/comparison/results.html;_ylt=AjqjpmjBHoUjD.FFHzADHhwOc78F;_ylv=3?pagetitle=overview&carid0=23187&carid1=22773&compare=Compare+cars

Answer 2

The stats aren't any more false for hybrids than for regular cars, so you can compare them fine. I've heard that the mpg rating for any car isn't completely accurate b/c it doesn't take into consideration things like driving in cold weather or with your A/C on full blast. I think "they" may be changing the way they do the ratings to make them more realistic based on different factors, but again, you will be able to compare the cars fine because the change will be all across the board.

As for myself, I can't help wanting a Prius. They look cool, have the best mpg, and some decent cargo/leg room. Don't forget you get a tax rebate for buying a hybrid!

Answer 3

No they are not more fuel efficient.In fact many of them will only do about 100yds on their electric motor.Their help comes in when the right foot goes down and both motors are working together bit of a cheat really.Car makers consumption figures can not be relied upon as the tests are conducted in Laboratory conditions.As a safe assesment a deduction of 20 to 25% from their figures appear about right.But many people will not risk being made a fool of and never admit this.My friends car boasts an MPG of 57 but it only does at its best with careful driving 39.7The Lexus looks a good bet but in reality it is not.I would wait a little time until technology proves a better set up.

Answer 4

Hybrids attempt to capture energy that would otherwise be dissipated by heat when you apply the brakes. The energy is stored in a large array of batteries. Batteries become less efficient with age and they don't hold as much of a charge. EPA estimates of mileage are notoriously optimistic for all vehicles. The EPA testing regimen is being revised for upcoming model years. There will be a dramatic decrease in mileage estimates.

Answer 5

When a hybrid is running on gas, it has the same, and , possibly worse efficiency as all the other regular vehicles that are similar, but, the efficiency comes when you are doing a short drive or in-town stop-and-go driving on the batteries.

Answer 6

Most are...some are not.

They are not really cheaper in the long run if you don't keep your car for a long time as they cost more to buy. You end up spending much more in car payments than the gas would have cost.

The big selling point is less pollution.

Answer 7

Yes they are more fuel efficient. My mom has a Prius and it's ridiculous how far she can go on a tank of gas!

Answer 8

it does no doubt gave you better gas mileage, falese avertie are the ford escape hybird, some research said the Honda CRV has better gas mileage than the hybird esape... yes it exist but not he popular one like prius, they's folks succesul hack hybird gave them over 80 MPG! i mean you had to look over that hybird gave you tax credit.

Answer 9

Actually (at least in my case), both of my Priuses are BETTER than advertised. They're worse then advertised during winter (to be expected), over the course of the year, yeah, they're better.

Answer 10

no we have the prius and it gives like 49 mpg