Quote:
Originally Posted by kerpal
I don't get it.. Why is a hybrid vehicle not efficient during winter?
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What the Tuna said...
Plus:
The hybrids' auto-stop feature does not work (by design) until the engine warms up a bit. Which takes longer in cold temps (ask the Canadians
).
The hybrids' hybrid battery does not allow current flow (in or out) in extreme temps - too hot or too cold. This is also by design, to protect the battery. This means NO acceleration assistance (and thus, the ICE runs harder). It also means NO regeneration (charging that too hot or too cold hybrid battery). In the hot hot heat of Texas, AZ, NM, CA, FL summers, it can take 5 minutes or more of driving with the AC on to cool down the hybrid battery enough for it to be fully operable. In the cold cold winters (up North especially), similar (or longer) waiting period exist.