I used to like hybrids, and obviously series hybrids are the coolest kind of hybrids, but now that I’m driving a budget EV, I honestly don’t see the point anymore. Just get the EV and skip the awkward half-way step that inherits the most expensive and complicated parts from both designs.
Seeing a sleek modern car pull away whisper quiet and then start the ICE 3 seconds later with a stutter and a puff of water vapor from underneath is the most schizophrenic sight, it somehow feels more dated than actual ICE cars.
Unless you live in bumfuck nowhere with expensive electricity, zero solar power and a daily 5 hour commute, an EV will likely work just fine for you.
I disagree. Basically anywhere an ICE engine is used for whatever reason, it should be a hybrid instead. There are good enough reasons not to use EVs but there are zero practical reasons to not use a hybrid.
I don't use my car daily
(thanks subway), only for rare monthly trips, 400km one way. How does hybrid helps here? it just adds weight for no reason
I watched a technology connections video that explained Hybrids in a way I hadn't heard before. Basically the gist was that because ICE cars need to be able to handle a wide range of operating conditions (accelerating uphill, creeping in traffic, coasting at 60), there are design constraints on the engine that a hybrid engine doesn't have. A hybrid battery can smooth out rapid bursts of power and recharge during less intense moments. The result is a hybrid engine can run in its most efficient speed most of the time (and apparently have a different design altogether that is more efficient somehow)
Ultimately even after conversion losses a hybrid can be more efficient than just directly driving the wheels. I think most people understand that part but the reason behind it was never obvious to me.
Toutouxc · · focus · HN ↗
Seeing a sleek modern car pull away whisper quiet and then start the ICE 3 seconds later with a stutter and a puff of water vapor from underneath is the most schizophrenic sight, it somehow feels more dated than actual ICE cars.
Unless you live in bumfuck nowhere with expensive electricity, zero solar power and a daily 5 hour commute, an EV will likely work just fine for you.
aoeusnth1 · · focus · HN ↗
dgan · · focus · HN ↗
ppchain · · focus · HN ↗
Ultimately even after conversion losses a hybrid can be more efficient than just directly driving the wheels. I think most people understand that part but the reason behind it was never obvious to me.