Owning a hybrid car is a concrete step towards a more sustainable way of living. While hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) still use gasoline engines, they are also armed with an electric motor. This means that you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint just by driving an HEV instead of a regular internal combustion engine car.
Fuel efficiency is the biggest benefit of owning a hybrid car. You get plenty of mileage from your gasoline consumption because your engine is aided by an electric motor. But the level of efficiency also depends on the driver. The built-in features are there, but it’s up to you to make the most out of your HEV.
If you own an HEV or are thinking of buying one, here are some tips on how to optimize your hybrid car’s efficiency.
1. Hit The Brakes
Regenerative braking is one of the best ways a hybrid car can charge its hybrid electric battery, which then powers the electric motor. This HEV feature allows the car to use its kinetic energy while slowing down and converting it to electricity that will be stored in the hybrid electric battery.
The hybrid system actually incentivizes drivers to slow down more since braking equals more stored energy, which you can then use to power your car instead of gasoline. So, not only are you more fuel efficient with an HEV, but you’re also encouraged to drive responsibly.
2. Take It Easy On The Gas Pedal
Revving the engine will require your hybrid car to let the gasoline engine do all the work. Sure, you’ll probably drive faster and get to your destination sooner, but doesn’t it defeat the purpose of owning an HEV if you rely on your gasoline too much?
Cruising instead of rushing through roads will do wonders for your fuel efficiency when driving an HEV. By accelerating slowly and maintaining steady speeds, you allow your gasoline engine to take a break and let your electric motor take the wheel, so to speak.
Hybrid cars can run on electricity for many miles as long as you move steadily. If you pass through a road with a downward incline, you don’t have to step on the gas. Your hybrid electric battery will charge as your car glides through while you step on the brakes slowly, letting its regenerative function give energy back to your car.
3. Don’t Stay In Neutral
Some old habits die hard and the same is true when it comes to adjusting to hybrid cars. Old wisdom dictates that, when your car is at a full stop, you should put your gear in neutral instead of shifting to “park”. This is supposed to prevent wear and tear on your car’s automatic transmission.
This is a habit that you should leave behind when you step inside an HEV. The gasoline engine also serves as a charger for the hybrid electric battery but it cannot function as a charger if the car is in neutral. So, if you’re at a full stop, it’s wiser to shift to “park” or use the car’s auto-hold function, if available, so that the automatic transmission stays engaged, enabling the engine to charge your battery.
When your HEV is in neutral for too long, your hybrid electric battery will be depleted, which could cause your entire car to shut down completely. These may lead to repairs and more headaches in the future.
4. Take Care Of Your Hybrid Electric Battery
One common chorus among hybrid car skeptics is: will electric batteries on HEVs even last? The short answer is, yes! The secret, like with all spare parts, is taking good care of them.
Modern hybrid electric batteries have the same lifespans as the cars they power because they are equipped with a cooling system. Make sure you know where this cooling system is located in your HEV so that you won’t cover it accidentally, which will prevent it from keeping your battery safe from overheating.
Keeping this cooling system clean should also be a part of your regular car maintenance. As long as your hybrid electric battery is well-maintained, then your HEV can stay efficient
Sustainable Ride
The key to making the most out of your HEV is making sure you’re activating its electric motor as much as possible. This is how you save on gas and lessen your carbon footprint. Unlike the gasoline engine, which relies on a finite resource, your electric motor can be powered through your car’s motion. Your hybrid car effectively gives back the power it uses up – now that’s sustainability!
