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Originally Posted by MGBGT
I believe HM have accomplished so much in hybrids, simply because hybrids other than the recent breed of hi-power SUVs and maybe the HAH (no hypermiling there) have such small and effiicent ICEs. I think the key to the type of hypermiling described here on GH, is simply a small, frugal engine (e.g. the ICEs in Prius and Insight), and a lightweight car, great aerodynamics, low rolling resistance.
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That's true. The way I see the hybrid tech is as a means of having a very small, efficient engine while preserving sufficient performance. Using hybrid tech to achieve peak HP, which is only truly necessary during occasional passing, or accident-avoidance situations, is less of a "drain" than adding extra cylinders (even with cylinder shutoff) to accomplish the same would be, as extra cylinders add to overall engine friction all the time.
Also, there are ways that the (Honda IMA) hybrid tech could be more of a benefit, that simply haven't been implemented. Numerous insight drivers have experimented with manual IMA control, and have been able to achieve tremendous FE improvement over the stock "dumb" system.