How to drive a hybrid car?

It is constantly being improved and, according to many, represents the golden mean between emission-free driving and the freedom that comes with internal combustion engines. For years, hybrid technology has been more than just a curiosity, it has saved drivers around the world. It is worth knowing how to use their full potential and manage them even more economically.

Modern hybrids do not require special knowledge or skills for economical driving. Vehicles equipped with an electrified transmission adapt to the driver's driving style for economical driving and smart management of stored energy. However, this does not mean that our driving style is completely irrelevant to the final fuel consumption. Here are five tips to help you drive more economically.

Don't be afraid to dynamically accelerate

The first hint seems counter-intuitive, but it can be really helpful. Accelerating quickly to a certain (prescribed, of course) speed and dropping the throttle when we reach it will allow you to take advantage of the full efficiency of the hybrid system. Obviously, the car will use more fuel and energy if you press the gas harder, but it will accelerate over a shorter distance and in less time. This will result in lower average fuel consumption, and in Lexus and Toyota hybrid vehicles, the continuously variable e-CVT transmission will help us, which regulates the engine speed so that it always operates in the optimal rev range.

Use your imagination

Driving does not stop there, especially in the city. It is good to look far ahead and always anticipate what will happen on the road. Movement of other drivers, traffic light changes, upcoming restrictions and pedestrian crossings. Anything that might cause us to slow down should be foreseen in advance. Thanks to this, we can plan braking in such a way as to extract as much energy as possible from a moving vehicle. A hybrid, unlike a conventional internal combustion vehicle, must brake for a long time and with little effort. Then we do not force the brake system to work, but the role of the brake is taken over by the electric motor, which turns into a generator that recuperates energy. It is then stored in batteries and used again for acceleration. All it takes is a little planning and a pinch of imagination so you don't slow down too hard and waste precious energy.

Look at indicators

Hybrid cars often tell us how to drive economically. Lexus models, for example, have a transmission power usage indicator that is divided into two main parts - Eco and Power. The corresponding scale on the clock tells us when the internal combustion engine will turn on. Thanks to this, we can avoid unnecessary acceleration and cover a greater distance using only the electric motor. HUD-equipped Lexus and Toyota models also display these handy readings on the HUD - you don't even have to take your eyes off the road to drive more economically! The hybrid drive indicator also lets us know how we should brake, which contributes to economical driving both on the road and in the city.

See also: Is it possible not to pay civil liability when the car is only in the garage?

Don't waste your time

The adage “time is money” is true for hybrid cars as well. We are talking about stopping with the ignition on, which just seems to cost us nothing. Although Lexus and Toyota hybrids experience a pleasant silence when the START button is pressed, it is worth remembering that the battery in the hybrid system is constantly drawing power. Turning on the A/C, on-board equipment, headlights, and accessories also contributes to lower battery life, and while the internal combustion engine isn't running, stopping with the ignition on isn't exactly free. It is best to turn the ignition on just before the start and turn it off as soon as you get to your destination. We will avoid unnecessary energy losses and enjoy even lower fuel consumption.

Use car features

Modern hybrid cars are quite good at reading the driver's intentions. However, cars are not omniscient (thankfully), so in certain situations, the hybrid car will benefit from advice and commands given by the driver. An example is the inclusion of EV mode, which is also available in Lexus and Toyota hybrid vehicles. It allows you to move at low speeds using only an electric motor. This function will be useful, for example, in parking lots, when maneuvering or driving in a crowded city center, looking for a parking space. We can also use them in traffic at freeway entrances or camping when we don't want to wake up people sleeping in a trailer next to our neighbors. The many applications of EV mode don't change the fact that, when used correctly, it provides benefits in the form of reduced fuel consumption. Forcing the electric mode in the above scenarios will allow you to delay the activation of the internal combustion engine, and we will break the combustion a little more. It is also worth using the ECO driving mode, which basically changes the characteristics of the drive system and affects the operation of on-board devices such as air conditioning and heating. Modern cars, often driven by the lowest possible fuel and energy consumption, have a number of features and options to save money on everyday driving. They are useful to know and use.

See also: Peugeot 308 station wagon