Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars [video] • Hacker News Board

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

#41

Post by edaemon » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:39 PM UTC

bee_rider wrote: post #30

chem83 wrote: post #18

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 code…

On a completely tangential note, has anyone ever tried a hybrid that was like a diesel-electric train? The engine just charges the battery. IIRC it can be much simpler, no need for gearing at all, the engine just runs at a constant speed and the battery handles delivering variable amounts of power.

That's called a series hybrid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_vehicle_drivetrain#Seri...

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

#42

Post by decimaldesign » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:39 PM UTC

bee_rider wrote: post #30

chem83 wrote: post #18

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 code…

On a completely tangential note, has anyone ever tried a hybrid that was like a diesel-electric train? The engine just charges the battery. IIRC it can be much simpler, no need for gearing at all, the engine just runs at a constant speed and the battery handles delivering variable amounts of power.

Rumor mill, but the Mazda RX9 may have their rotary engine powering the battery, which then delivers energy to the drivetrain.

"In that concept, the rotary engine functions as a generator to produce electricity for the battery and electric motor, rather than mechanically driving the wheels."

Excited to see if this becomes a reality

more: https://uscarcover.com/blog/2026-mazda-rx9-review-rotary-is-...

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

#43

Post by walthamstow » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:39 PM UTC

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.

2021 Corolla hatchback owner, I didn't know anything about the neutral thing until I was given a courtesy car by the dealership (CH-R: big car, tiny boot) and the lady told me twice never to put in neutral

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

#44

Post by paulgerhardt » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:40 PM UTC

Watched this when it came out. I felt like it had that typical Technology Connections problem where it will take one under explored point along a Pareto frontier and conflate it for the global optimal design.

At least that was my experience with the toaster, microwave, and dishwasher detergent episodes.

While Hybrid System II is very clever and non-intuitive coming from an ICE or EV frame of reference there are reasons even Toyota hasn’t placed all their chips on this bet. In fact as Japan’s largest manufacturer they want to have a bet on every point of Pareto frontier which is why Toyota makes cars with their own competing iForce hybrid design (I’m a big fan of the generator + torque assist), hydrogen cars, electrics, plug in hybrids, diesels, propane and yes gas.

Specifically Hybrid System II is best if you can 1) only have one car 2) don’t have a place to charge it 3) do lots of starts and stops driving around town.

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

#45

Post by klooney » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:41 PM UTC

1970-01-01 wrote: post #12

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 plast…

Ford's hybrids come from the Toyota tree, although they've diverged.

The new Honda hybrids are more like a generator + ev, which is also pretty interesting.

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

#46

Post by caminanteblanco » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:42 PM UTC

For anyone who is concerned that this only applies to Toyota drivetrains (which was true for quite some time), Toyota made nearly all of their HEV patents (24,000 of them) completely royalty-free in 2019 [0].

At this point, I assume the only thing stopping manufacturers is their pre-existing investment in other technology.

[0] https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/27512455.html

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

#47

Post by avel » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:42 PM UTC

bee_rider wrote: post #30

chem83 wrote: post #18

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 code…

On a completely tangential note, has anyone ever tried a hybrid that was like a diesel-electric train? The engine just charges the battery. IIRC it can be much simpler, no need for gearing at all, the engine just runs at a constant speed and the battery handles delivering variable amounts of power.

Related: Honda's 2 Motor Hybrid System Explained. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P_VChtMGK8

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

#48

Post by qsxfthnkp2322 » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:45 PM UTC

caminanteblanco wrote: post #46

For anyone who is concerned that this only applies to Toyota drivetrains (which was true for quite some time), Toyota made nearly all of their HEV patents (24,000 of them) completely royalty-free in 2019 [0]. At this point, I assume the only thing stopping manufacturers is their pre-existing investment in other technology. [0] https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/27512455.html

From what I know (granted I’d rather have a bev, but alas) this also applies to the Honda hybrid system, I’m sure there are others.

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

#49

Post by Tagbert » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:45 PM UTC

bee_rider wrote: post #30

chem83 wrote: post #18

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 code…

On a completely tangential note, has anyone ever tried a hybrid that was like a diesel-electric train? The engine just charges the battery. IIRC it can be much simpler, no need for gearing at all, the engine just runs at a constant speed and the battery handles delivering variable amounts of power.

That is a series hybrid.

The Chevy Volt was one and the current Honda CRV is another. Both of them work mainly by the gas engine driving one of the electric motors as a generator while the other motor drives the vehicle. They have a simple eCVT transmission. However, both vehicles have a mode where they directly engage the engine to the transmission at highway speed cruising because that is more efficient.

Nissan has a series hybrid system that they have used in the Note that is only the series hybrid without the direct connect mode. That saves some money.

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

#50

Post by tedggh » Wed, May 20, 2026, 1:45 PM UTC

I have all three ICE, EV and hybrid at home. I was hesitant at first when getting the EV because we already had the hybrid, but we needed a second SUV to carry kids. After two years with the EV it became evident to me the hybrid doesn’t make sense. It has some of the gas savings of an EV but you still deal with the inconvenience of maintaining a ICE. My EV has received zero maintenance other than cleaning the cameras. Brakes are still good for many more years and tires maybe need replacing in a year. No oil change, no brake pads, no spark plugs, fuel pumps, seals, plus all the time savings scheduling appointments and driving to the dealer. I do see some use cases where hybrids may actually work better, like very long daily commutes in a region lacking charging stations. I believe they are popular because there’s still fear of going full electric, but as many EV owners would tell you that fear is unreasonable and disappears after a few months owning an EV. I go out and run errands with 10% charge. The first days my hands started sweating when the charge dropped under 40%.