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Old 12-09-2018, 07:32 AM
 
Location: Redwood Shores, CA
1,651 posts, read 1,276,456 times
Reputation: 1605

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My wife leased an electric car to be able to use the carpool lane during commute hours. We never drove that car more than 50 miles, just to be safe. It was a real inconvenience because we could not go to a lot of places we would like to go with that vehicle (we do have another car). I think it is a terrible product.

Well the lease is up and she is shopping for another one. I am wondering, are gas-electric hybrids a more practical way to go? She can still do the commute with it, but if we want to go somewhere far with it, we can always put in gas.

Your thoughts on this? And what are some good standard-size sedan options in this category?
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Old 12-09-2018, 10:56 AM
 
Location: Eastern NC
20,868 posts, read 23,433,514 times
Reputation: 18813
Most electric cars are only good for short commutes as you have figured out. A good hybrid will blow it away since once the battery charge is depleted, the gas engine takes over. They typically get 40 to 50 mpgs. But they also cost more that one with just a gas engine. Toyotas lead the way in hybrid technology but many others are catching up.
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:06 AM
 
Location: Las Vegas, NV
2,990 posts, read 8,689,244 times
Reputation: 1516
Give it a few years when the battery technology will even increase the capacity and charging times. The popularity of even Electric bicycles and Motorcycles (electric cycles) is growing. In the meantime, a Hybrid is a good safe choice.
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:09 AM
 
1,782 posts, read 2,733,504 times
Reputation: 5975
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertFisher View Post
And what are some good standard-size sedan options in this category?

I put 88,000 trouble-free miles on a 2012 Camry XLE Hybrid. On average, I got 40+ mpg, and it had 200 horsepower (150 ICE/50 Electric Motor), and that was a very nice car. Its value went downhill after I drove it through a ditch and a rather expansive bean field.

The last year, the mileage kept deteriorating. I suspect that the traction battery was getting tired, but I don't really know. I traded it in last year.

It was a conventional sedan with all the accoutrements of a loaded Camry but with the hybrid system. In 2018, Toyota has finally gone to Lithium Ion batteries for the LE Camry, and that car is boasting 50+ mpg around town. The XLE is still using Nickle Metal Hydride batteries.

I'm now driving a Prius C, which is the tiny Prius. It's getting 50-65 mpg around town. It's an amazing car.

I've stayed away from the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) because you're always somewhat tethered to a charging station.
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:17 AM
 
Location: The Driftless Area, WI
7,143 posts, read 4,990,910 times
Reputation: 17503
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertFisher View Post

Well the lease is up and she is shopping for another one. I am wondering, are gas-electric hybrids a more practical way to go? She can still do the commute with it, but if we want to go somewhere far with it, we can always put in gas.

This may shed some insight on it for you. Everybody's situation is different.
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2018/11/...-common-sense/

Last edited by elnina; 12-09-2018 at 01:23 PM..
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:20 AM
 
24,522 posts, read 18,044,055 times
Reputation: 40209
If a hybrid let me drive solo in the car pool lane on a daily commute, that’s what I would do.

For me, I have a mostly highway driving pattern where the payback on a hybrid just isn’t there. Put oil back to $100/barrel and the math works.

Personally, I’m expecting some disruptive technology to show up with battery and self-driving. I’m planning to hold off as long as possible before buying my next car.
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Old 12-09-2018, 11:59 AM
 
Location: So. of Rosarito, Baja, Mexico
6,987 posts, read 21,860,343 times
Reputation: 7007
Being a retired ( senior) mechanic just bought a low miles one owner 2008 Ford Escape SUV Hybrid...so farloveit.
Did a lot of reading on the Internet.
Over four months of looking found this one at a reasonable mkt price considering content.
Eight people were interested for a lower price ( I think) and in my book a few hundred dllrs more was a steal considering.
Prices for this yr we're between 1K - 3K depending on mileage and what part of US.
At present guessing avg of 30mpg.
Some good and some bad points so far.
On research found a site showing a slew of wrecked Ford Hybrids most with straight on front damage...I wondered why.
Found out why being the characteristics of the Elect initial power to the wheels and the regeration at the braking level.
I solved both issues since I use my LEFT foot on the brake for over 60 some yrs on any Auto trans car.
With the strong Elect motors working the time of the right foot to the brake pedal will end up hitting the front cars rear end thus the straight across front damage to your car.
Have found the listed issues possible on my purchase and hope I get some mental wheels turning.
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Old 12-09-2018, 12:34 PM
 
Location: Wasilla, AK
7,448 posts, read 7,528,258 times
Reputation: 16456
Hybrid is a transitional technology. You still have an ICE that needs to be maintained. I'm going to skip hybrids and go straight to pure EV. I consider 200 miles to be the minimum acceptable EV range. That will allow me to do all my local driving and make it through the day. Now I just need to wait until an affordable AWD is available. And no, the Model 3 is not affordable.
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Old 12-09-2018, 01:20 PM
 
Location: San Ramon, Seattle, Anchorage, Reykjavik
2,254 posts, read 2,708,173 times
Reputation: 3203
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertFisher View Post
My wife leased an electric car to be able to use the carpool lane during commute hours. We never drove that car more than 50 miles, just to be safe. It was a real inconvenience because we could not go to a lot of places we would like to go with that vehicle (we do have another car). I think it is a terrible product.

Well the lease is up and she is shopping for another one. I am wondering, are gas-electric hybrids a more practical way to go? She can still do the commute with it, but if we want to go somewhere far with it, we can always put in gas.

Your thoughts on this? And what are some good standard-size sedan options in this category?
What EV was it? The Mitsubishi? Because a safe 50 miles would be a joke in any of the other EVs out there.
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Old 12-09-2018, 01:25 PM
 
Location: Tricity, PL
61,292 posts, read 86,187,392 times
Reputation: 131049
While waiting for full electric cars to improve, I drive hybrid. Great mileage. No problems with longer distances.
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