Well, I am finally going to go out and pick myself up a Hybrid. I have scheduled some time this week to go test a few, however I need a bit of help.
I have been talking to a co-worker, who think they know everything about hybrids even though they drive an Escalade, and he has told me that you cannot depend on the MPG postings that you see on here. He told me that because I live in AZ and out here we run our AC in the car from about May - October, that hybrids would not get any better fuel economy since you would drain the pack by constantly running your AC.

Is there any truth to this statement? Would it be a waste of my money to purchase a hybrid vehicle, since my main concern is fuel economy?

thanks,
Brian

Hi Brian,

Wish you the best on selecting a hybrid vehicle! Do you have a preference?

The longer your commute is, the more you can justify a hybrid. Or just get one because of the technology and being "green".

Your Escalade driving co-worker, the hybrid expert... I would like to know how they came to their conclusions. Sounds like a bunch of misinformation mixed with a little truth. Sounds like they are trying to justify their choice of vehicle.

The EPA does not use A/C when performing their testing to set MPG comparsion numbers. So yes, your MPG will be less while using the A/C. Whatever you give up for the A/C, the hybrid components will still perform to increase your fuel economy over a non-hybrid.
And using the A/C will not drain the battery pack, the system will maintain the charge. With careful driving, I believe the EPA numbers can be attained, even using the A/C.

I recommend browsing this web site and other hybrid sites for a wealth of information - from owners of hybrids in the real world - in all types of climates and driving conditions.


Some tips for the A/C issue:

This is a "Duh!", but I will start with it. Tint your windows to help unload the A/C. This will also help take some of the heat off the batteries.
Crack the windows open when parked.
During the milder days, try cycling the A/C on/off. Some people turn it on only while going downhill or coasting to a stop. But this is all personal preference, whatever makes you comfortable.

Good luck.

Regards,

Morning, Brian,
What Hawk said. My limited experience tells me this: Since our West TX area has started to heat into the 90's, my mileage has noticeably increased. I don't go hot - I use the A/C. I don't cycle; I stay comfortable.

My Accord's performance in the heat, with the A/C, surpasses lower temps without it. Several on this board have mentioned how much better mileage they get in warm temps. Sure, the A/C drains *some* FE, but it's more than off set by increases in FE that warm weather bring. At least, in the case of my Accord Hybrid.

'05 Accord Hybrid
'05 Odyssey EX-L
'03 1800 Goldwing
'98 Civic EX (16 yr. old daughter's)

I live in Phoenix, so I can comment directly the the mileage in the summer months. My average was 45.67 MPG for my first six "Phoenix Summer" tanks, but I have since learned to drive for increased efficiency, so I'm betting I can keep it in the 48-50 MPG range this summer.

Using the A/C in a Civic Hybrid "does" bring the MPG down, but really no different than any other car. Your misinformed co-worker loses about 2 MPG in his Escalade when he uses the A/C too (don't tell him though!!)

Hey Brian,
These are all good comments. I'd love to see the grin on your face when your Escaload buddy starts paying over $3 gal to fill his behemouth, while you're driving your hybrid, getting great mileage.

I would encourage anyone who's thinking about getting a hybrid to DO IT NOW, as the income tax credit is only going to drop and eventually be phased out in 2 years.

I have relatives and friends in the oil business in Texas, and they lay out some interesting evidence that gas prices are only going to climb. These are people in the refinery and oil exploration business. But, that's for another forum.

Hope all goes well on your purchase.

Kansas, not as flat as you think...

I concur with my fellow posters regarding the minimal effect of running the A/C.

What I recommend you do, therefore, is to purchase your hybrid; and then during the summer, when gas prices hit $3 per gallon, you should come in to work every morning and complain:

"This @#$% hybrid! Because of running the A/C, I am now ONLY getting 45 mpg!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!" And enjoy his expression as his comtemplates his 15 mpg Escalade.

Thank you all. Great info, I really appreciate it. And Coyote, that is a great idea. Rub it in his face, but more passive agressively. I like that.

B

Buzz70 has posted several years worth of mpg data into our database. His car Voltswagon gets the worst mileage in the winter as might be expected. The peaks are June and September when the temps are warm but no AC is needed. July and August take a little dip due to AC use (I assume). July and August are still higher than the winter numbers, verifing what everybody else has already said in a graphic way. Check his car out at:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/m...oltswagon.html