Why do Hybrid trucks and SUVs still get bad MPG?

Question

Will they ever get better MPG?

Answer 1

It's because they're so large and heavy.

The way a hybrid works is that it uses just the electric motor when possible.  Electric motors are far more efficient than internal combustion engines, so this improves mileage greatly.

However, when the car needs more power than the electric motor can provide (for example during acceleration), the internal combustion engine kicks in.  This causes fuel efficiency to decrease.

With a big truck or SUV, you need more power to accelerate and maintain speed than with a smaller car.  So you're still using the internal combustion engine quite a bit and not getting great fuel economy.

However, hybrid SUVs still are a big improvement when you think about it.  The numbers might not sound impressive, but going from 15 mpg to 20 mpg is a 33% increase.  That's the same as going from 30 mpg to 40 mpg.

Answer 2

It really depends on how the vehicle is driven. That is true for all vehicles. I owned a Prius several years ago and if I payed close attention to my driving I could get about 55mpg. If I didn't the mileage could go down as much as 10mpg. My wife never seemed to get much over 50mpg when she drove it. There are several ways to help get better fuel economy out of any vehicle. Jackrabbit starts can eat up alot a lot of fuel. The air cleaner being dirty can lower mileage. The faster you drive has a major affect, and the list goes on. Do a quick search for "Better fuel mileage" and you will find many sources of tips.

Answer 3

even hybrid cars get worse milage than a good diesel car, hybrids are not a magic bullet.  They only get better milage in cities with stop and go traffic, on a freeway, the electric motor NEVER kicks in, you are driving a small engine car with 500 pounds of excess bagge we call a battery and electric motor.

Answer 4

Because so far, the manufacturers are more interested in making them go faster rather than go further.  The weight is also a big problem.  Look at the Toyota ABAT for an idea of what kind of a SUV we should be driving.  (Google it.)

Answer 5

Current hybrid design is basically a gasoline powered vehicle with a battery back up power source.  It is bad design.

Future plug-in hybrid technology cars should get about 100 mpg.

Answer 6

They are huge. Pulling the weight alone is a burden on a huge engine that sucks gas. It is still good to hybridize trucks, but it will take time to produce more efficient engines for SUV's and light trucks.

While the cost of hybrid cars is higher, three friends took the plunge and bought them anyway, they claim the money they are saving on gas is paying for their new vehicle and they are completely happy with their hybrids, specifically the Prius. So, yes, the cost right now is prohibitive, but if you have the means, invest in a hybrid car, they are only going to get cheaper and better made, as the bugs are worked out. Until gasoline prices drop below 2 bucks a gallon, they are a great savings with 48 mp gallon in the city and 45 on the highway.

Answer 7

Weight & aerodynamics.

Answer 8

Transmission, Torque, and Weight.

Answer 9

Here is the funny thing about that hybrid vehicle. While they get better mileage than a regular vehicle. The cost difference between a hybrid and a regular vehicle is so great that it takes almost 5 - 6 years for the vehicle to pay for its exra price.

If you're like many people that only keep a vehicle 2 - 4 years. You actually end up losing money because of it. My advise, if you dont drive a lot, then stick with the regular vehicle. You will end up better off in the long run.

Answer 10

Because people still want to be able to race their neighbor.

I can't see why they won't do like Mercedes,7 speed automatics,and a higher rear end.That way freeway rpms would be lower.