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Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

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Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#11

Post by em500 »

So this is specifically about Toyota's hybrid engines (which is very different from e.g. Honda's engine, not to mention plug-in hybrids or "mild hybrids"). The explanation of the mechanics starts around the 36 minute mark.

I always found most explanations of Toyota's Power Split Device too abstract, until I found this page where you can play with the sliders to see how the power is actually split between the ICE and the MG1/MG2 electric generators: https://eahart.com/prius/psd/

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#12

Post by 1970-01-01 »

The title doesn't match the point of the video. What he is trying to show is the world would be a better place if we could establish that hybrids come in two flavors: Toyota and non-Toyota. There's really no better hybrid design. Unfortunately that means they aren't scrapped after decades, and Mongolia has become a dumping ground for them.[1] So it still is the best hybrid drivetrain in the world, but much like plastic or PFAS or some other very long term problems, the old battery cannot be cheaply scrapped. Toyota's new lithium models like the Sienna in the video have solved that, but now you're just half-assing a conventional EV until solid state systems are ready. By 2030 I expect the last Toyota hybrid to be announced.

[1] https://cna.asia/3PS4lrN

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#13

Post by jasperry »

Oh, it's a hybrid Sienna minivian! Now I'm bitter, because I was looking at those for the family a couple years back, but stock was low and they were priced $15k higher than a 3-row gas-guzzling SUV.

Actually, another thing was that the visibility out of the Sienna seemed quite bad.

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#14

Post by dsr_ »

jasperry wrote: post #13

Oh, it's a hybrid Sienna minivian! Now I'm bitter, because I was looking at those for the family a couple years back, but stock was low and they were priced $15k higher than a 3-row gas-guzzling SUV. Actually, another thing was that the visibility out of the Sienna seemed quite bad.

We bought one, after being on a waiting list for 9 months.

Visibility is fine, comparable to other minivans and much better than a few older models. It no longer has rear vent windows, which is a pity.

The software for the infotainment system is horrifying. Everything else is quite good.

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#15

Post by giarc »

schnitzelstoat wrote: post #9

I have a conventional (not plug-in) hybrid Toyota Corolla as otherwise I'd have to pay loads to drive it in the city. It does get crazy mileage and drives well so I can't complain. They are more expensive than standard cars though and you can't leave it in neutral which is a problem in some car washes.

Can you power off and leave in neutral?

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#16

Post by justin66 »

schnitzelstoat wrote: post #9

I have a conventional (not plug-in) hybrid Toyota Corolla as otherwise I'd have to pay loads to drive it in the city. It does get crazy mileage and drives well so I can't complain. They are more expensive than standard cars though and you can't leave it in neutral which is a problem in some car washes.

I don't get it. I put my Toyota hybrid in neutral while going through a car wash all the time.

I just googled this. I had no idea this was a thing some people worry about. I guess it's a problem if the hybrid battery runs out while the car is in neutral, but there's a meter right there to tell you how much charge it's got if you're really worried about it.

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#18

Post by chem83 »

I always thought the problem with hybrids was the complexity of the drive train, but this video is challenging that notion. It argues that the hybrid pack (minus the battery, perhaps?) is more compact and simpler than a manual gearbox, even. It consists of two electric motors and a planetary gear set, which is seemingly simpler than clutch packs, gear sets and belts of regular transmissions, including CVTs.

Time codes 3:06, 37:07, 43:57, 43:36 (note on the eCVT naming), and 44:17.

Re: Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video]

#20

Post by pfortuny »

giarc wrote: post #15
schnitzelstoat wrote: post #9

I have a conventional (not plug-in) hybrid Toyota Corolla as otherwise I'd have to pay loads to drive it in the city. It does get crazy mileage and drives well so I can't complain. They are more expensive than standard cars though and you can't leave it in neutral which is a problem in some car washes.

Can you power off and leave in neutral?

No: at least in my 2023 Corolla, in order to power off it must be in Park, and then, when you power off, the lid on the shift-stick is blocked.

You can leave it in neutral and exit the car, obviously, but the car is started.

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