[ausev] [ausev at austinev.org] RE: hybrid

Tue Aug 15 21:19:36 GMT 2006

All, we have an '04 Honda Hybrid, and get 35 to 44 mpg depending on where  
and how hard we are diving. AC on automatic all the time of course. We've been  
putting a lot of highway miles on it (45000 now) since it always gets twice 
the  mileage of our Dodge Caravan.

 I looked at the Honda '06 Hybrids in Civic and Accord a couple of  weeks 
ago. Both nicely appointed cars, built just like standard  models, perfectly 
built no troubles. It costs a couple of thousand extra  for hybrid, and a little 
better mileage and more oomph. different  models  have different engine sizes 
with expected mileage better in  smaller engine. Their small engine with Hybrid 
gets better mileage and power  when needed.  

Honda protocol is:  gas engine always starts and runs, (tho it is so  quiet 
you never hear it start,no starter to engage, just switch wiring on  electric 
motor.) It uses Electric from battery for quick speed up or climbing  hills, 
all hybrids regenerate electricity when slowing down and stopping, the  brakes 
should last forever. The Civic is a compact size car with a 1.3 liter gas  
engine, and zero emissions, we got a $2000 tax credit from that. 

Our '04. with cruise control on, engine runs 2000 to 3000 rpm obviously the  
most efficient operating speeds at 38 to 44 mpg, and the gas engine speeds up  
for passing or going up mountains, I've had ours up to 4000 rpm and then you 
can  hear it running, but the cruise will keep up with or ahead of everybody 
going up  mountains through Payson to Phoenix AZ. to our Daughters. 

The main issue nobody is talking about is the different protocols or design  
principles used on different brands of gas electric hybrids. We drove our 
Sister  in laws new  Toyota Hylander with all wheel drive, from Ohio across  
Indiana, to Springfield Ill. to Abraham Lincoln Presidential museum and  back. The 
sales person told them that it would be a good car in  snow, and rain, and get 
best mileage around town. We got around 30 mpg on  highway, at 60 to 70 with 
AC on etc. Probably is good analysis and good car for  their needs. 

This is probably true of most Toyoto's with their protocol  described  below. 

Toyota '06 Prius owned by friends runs on electric until gas engine is  
needed for more power or to charge batteries. Very quiet engine unless pushing  on 
the pedal hard to climb up an on ramp, then it kind of roars. It is a very  
nice town car quiet smooth, theirs has deluxe display with map and directions  
etc. They have not been on a trip yet. 

So my impression is that different hybrid computers are programmed for best  
economy for some type of usage and vehicle size ( compact, mid size or SUV) .  
The battery size and electric motor sizes are selected for that optimum type 
of  usage. Thus If you want one for commuting in traffic, there is a best one 
for  you. 

If you want mixed good mileage, there is a different brand and car size for  
you. Good luck, 

Chuck Simms. at _charlesvsi at aol.com_ (mailto:charlesvsi at aol.com) 
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In a message dated 8/15/2006 9:57:45 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
aweigle at deadwarrior.com writes:

Honda is  supposedly replacing the Insight with a hybrid version of the Fit.  
The  Fit weighs close to the same as the Insight, but it can carry 4 people 
and has  a more powerful powerplant.  The hybrid is expected to have economy on 
 par with the Insight.

-Alaric

_tunafish at io.com_ (mailto:tunafish at io.com)   wrote:  
I am a "newbie" to this group, but I recommend at least looking at the Honda

Insight.  It is my understanding they get the best miles/gallon of any car

currently sold by major car companies in the US.  They may be hard to find

now since they are discontinuing them at the end of this year.  I spoke with

a dealer here about a month ago and they had one.  I am upset that Honda is

discontinuing the best thing out there....

Sincerely,

Tanda

Jane Thorne wrote:

Rob Hirschfeld wrote:

Hello All,

I've been lurking on the list for a few weeks and am glad to join the

crowd of newbies doing intros.  I've been interested in electric cars

since for a long time: in fact, I'm getting deju vu from my 10 year

old's interest in them too.  I'm very excited that the time seems to be

upon us.

I was impressed with both the WKTEC and the AustinEV display.  This is a

very impressive group.

My background is primarily in software that controls other things.

Today I write building access control systems.  In the past I've worked

on controls for robots, oil pipelines/platforms, injection molding, and

virtual servers.

QUESTION: I'm in the market for a new car (and don't have time to wait

for a conversion) - Does anyone have a suggestion for a hybrid?  My

first pick has been the Honda Civic, but I don't know anyone who has

one.  The Prius is a close second.  I'd like to try get a PHEV option,

but don't want to kill the warranty on a new car.  Thoughts?

I don't recommend the Toyota Camry Hybrid.  I just bought one and it is

getting about 30 mpg.  It has bells and whistles, but I'm more

interested in mileage that razzmatazz.  All-gasoline Camrys can do

better than 30 mpg.  A replacement rear view mirror for the thing cost

$200--an indication of parts costs ahead.  The thing hardly ever drives

using electricity.  The gas transmission kicks in even at slow speeds on

a level road.  Anybody want to but a Camry Hybrid with 2000 miles on it?

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Chuck Simms

Director, North Austin M.U.District  #1
e-mail: charlesvsi at aol.com
Phone: 512-331-9630
Cell:  505-331-1237
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