Fueling Concerns -- What Hybrid Owners Can Expect at the Pumps

It’s no surprise that Hybrid owners are environment-friendly folk. Additionally, they are doing something else that they might not be aware of, but will be soon after purchasing their Hybrid car. In two words: fuel efficiency. This translates to less trips to the pump and more savings passed on to the consumer. And in the grander scheme of things, it is better for the environment: less gas consumed means less strain on natural resources, especially oil and oil reserves.

Due to the fact that the Hybrid car is a more environment friendly car, trips to the pump are far and few between. This is in direct relation to a few factors: the engine shuts off during idling, general fuel efficiency and basic car design.

IDLING

Because the Hybrid engine shuts off during idling, less fuel is consumed. This cuts down on a few things, most importantly fuel use. Keep in mind, though, when the engine isn’t running, there are no emissions either. Owners of Hybrid cars are more apt to control how much fuel they use and how to adjust how they drive due to the gauges available for the owner to peer at. When the accelerator is then pressed to start the car again, the battery, charged by the electric engine, starts the car and again saves on fuel.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

Most Hybrid cars average between 33 and 60 miles per gallon during city driving and between 27 and 68 miles per gallon in highway driving. These figures represent some of the best EPA figures known to the car industry. Averaged into these figures are Hybrid SUVs, but for the most part smaller, compact cars and sedans get a high number of miles per gallon compared to their counterpart gas-powered cousins.

Now, these figures aren’t always accurate, because some owners “beat the system” or get beaten by it due to driving conditions or habits. If a driver is consistently driving over the speed limit, fuel efficiency may not be what the owner expected. And, as will be discussed, depending on car design and conditions, the actual fuel efficiency can be compromised.

The average cost for fueling a hybrid car per year can be between $600-$700. Whereas a smaller conventional gas-powered car could cost close to $2000 to fuel for the year.

CAR DESIGN

Car designers have been making cars sleeker and more aerodynamic, thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Low-resistance tires also contribute to higher fuel efficiency. By using a lower resistant tire, the Hybrid car conserves fuel, thus making the driver take less trips to the pump.

CONDITIONS

You should consider, for example, that a driver has a commute that includes many uphill roads. This may compromise the efficiency of the gas mileage. Or, even better yet, if conditions are consistently cold, the engine will not perform to the best of its ability. Thus, reducing the amount of miles gained per gallon of gasoline.

COSTS

With the average gallon of gasoline costing $3 the obvious choice for a car buyer would be to purchase an automobile that gets the maximum number of miles per gallon. The Hybrid car and SUV has shown to be not only a winner at the pumps but also a winner environmentally. Clocking in at the average of $600-$700 a year for the average driver (compared to $2000 a year), the clear advantage leans toward the Hybrid owner.