Driving a hybrid vehicle is as simple as driving any automatic vehicle. However, if we want to get some very low fuel consumption and not visit the gas station so much, we must practice more effective driving to make the most of the electrical system of our car and not so much the heat engine. How do you drive a hybrid car to spend less fuel?
To make it as visual as possible, we have decided to make an explanatory video In addition to this article written. In this case we have used a Toyota Corolla, well it coincided that we had this test unit, but these tips are equally applicable to any hybrid carAs an Kia Niro, Hyundai Ioniq or Honda CR-V, to name just a few. These are the 5 essential tips to get the most out of your hybrid.
Smooth driving = Efficient driving
The first thing we must be clear about is that practicing fast or aggressive driving always triggers consumption. if we drive soft and relaxed, we will save fuel and extend the useful life of other wear components such as wheels or brakes. Of course, driving smoothly is always much safer than driving like we're racing.
Therefore, we will increase autonomy and save gasoline if We start soft when starting the march from standing. If the battery has accumulated energy and we start using the first third of the accelerator travel, the electric motor will take care of the movement of the car while the gasoline one will remain off (without spending gasoline and without polluting). As you know, starting from a standstill is when a combustion engine spends more fuel; gasoline that we will be saving.
It is also important save unnecessary acceleration. For example, if we come out of a slow curve or a roundabout and want to gain speed, it will always be more efficient to accelerate little by little instead of pressing hard on the accelerator to reach the desired speed. The thermal engine will rev much less, which translates into better use of fuel and savings of a few tenths of gasoline.
Anticipate and let the car roll by inertia
In the same way that accelerating smoothly and little by little guarantees a few tenths of savings; We will also be more efficient if we anticipate traffic circumstances and lift the right pedal early. In this way, we will take advantage of the inertia of our hybrid car, because the heat engine will turn off and, in addition, the electrical system will recover some charge.
To give a couple of simple examples, If we see a red or amber traffic light several tens of meters away, there is no point in continuing to accelerate.. We stop pressing the right pedal when we realize it and the vehicle will gradually lose speed. The same happens if we are going to take an exit on a highway; we can stop accelerating and the speed will decrease and adapt quickly.
Take advantage of braking to charge the battery
As you well know, hybrid vehicles recover electrical energy during braking, using only the pads when braking is relatively intense. When we need to brake, instead of hurrying and stepping on the brake pedal late, it is It is important to brake smoothly. to get the most out of it and allow the battery to take a lot of charge.
Thus, in addition to recharging the battery for the electric propulsion system, we will considerably extend the useful life of the brake pads and discs, also saving on the maintenance of our vehicle. Obviously the wheels will also suffer less wear. Remember that, in these hybrid cars, it is always much more efficient to do a longer but less intense braking than a shorter and stronger one.
Activates Eco and Electric operating modes
Virtually all hybrid vehicles (and many non-hybrids) have different driving modes, which are usually normal, eco and sport. These modes vary how the engine and gearbox work, making responses to our throttle demands smoother. Normally, in eco mode It also modifies the operation of the air conditioning, since the air conditioning compressor also offers a lot of resistance. Therefore, it is interesting to resort to this driving mode.
In the case of hybrids, there is also usually a button for a 100% electric operation, which is usually called EV. When we activate it, if the battery has enough charge and the speed is not high, it allows us to accelerate and move a little more with the thermal engine off, so it will help us on short urban trips. In any case, if we accelerate hard or if the battery charge gets low, this EV-mode will be disabled.
On the highway, keep a steady speed.
As in any vehicle, an important measure to achieve low fuel consumption is to try maintain a steady speed at all times. It is clear that it is not always possible due to traffic or road circumstances, but when traveling and on the highway, we can usually do it. Changes of pace are not good friends with efficiency.
Today it is simple, since most cars already have assistants such as the speed limiter or cruise control. It is enough to select it at the desired speed and we are practically guaranteed that we will obtain fairly tight consumption. Of course, remember that driving at 120 km/h will always use less fuel than at a higher speed (in addition to saving you some other possible penalty).
Botton line
Individually, each of the five tips above will not be a great advantage when calculating how much we have saved on gas. However, be clear that practicing all of them in your day to day, fuel consumption will drop noticeably, reducing spending by several liters (and euros) at the end of the month.
Remember, smooth driving will always be more efficient. Anticipate the circumstances, take advantage of the car's inertia, brake gently to recharge the battery and save brake pads, use the driving modes and avoid sudden changes of pace on the road.
If you are not completely clear, I invite you to try it for some time and make your own calculations, you will see with your own eyes that you do not visit the gas station so much. And of course, when you do, let us know through a comment what the differences have been. Of course, if you have any more tips to add, you are always welcome at Motor News.