I've been following these forums for a few weeks now (I ordered a TCH which I expect in the next month or so).

I was wondering if there is a primer, or tutorial, on hybrid cars. I am looking for something to teach me the fundamentals such as, how to do the pulse/glide, what do acronyms such as ICE and EV stand for (and an explanation of how they work), etc.

Is there something like this? I haven't found it in the Articles section.

Paul

I'm not sure if you'll find it all in one place. To start with:

ICE = Internal Combustion Engine - your standard gasoline drinking engine.
EV = Electric vehicle - when your car is riding with the ICE turned off, acting as an electric vehicle.

There is the Ford Escape Hybrid (FEH) FAQ section. A lot of it is applicable, at least the glossary, to the TCH.

Here is an article on pulse and glide. I have not done much of it. Honestly, there aren't too many roads where I could do that without holding up traffic.

I've had the TCH (Toyota Camry Hybrid) since early June and love it. I've only filled up 3 times and I'm averaging 38 mpg, which is not at all unusual with this car. Hope you enjoy it as much.

You will love your TCH! I've had mine 6 weeks and love it - averaging 43 mpg over the past 2,200 miles

Try Xcel's Guide to Beating the EPA and Hypermiling. I've been applying some basic hypermiling techniques and learning how they affect the TCH. My last tank was 45mpg over 670 miles.

OK, somehow my reply got lost in cyberspace (all hail the powerful computer!)

This is a repeat, if it should show up later ---
I agree with Wallpad, it would be nice to have a primer for those of us new to hybrids. Here is my take in my short hybrid life:

1. The speed limit is your friend. No one can fault you for driving the speed limit. In my town, it usually runs about 30mph - the limit of my EV on the FEH. By driving 5 mph over (my previous norm) I would be wasting gas. Even on the highway I noticed lower rpm when I went 65mph vs. 70mph.

2. You don't have to be the fastest off the line. By accelerating slowly, I'm able to keep my car in EV more. I can actually drive about half my usual route to work in EV by using this technique. The frequent braking seems to be enough regeneration, as well as tip number 3.

3. The L drive is your friend. I never used this drive before I got a FEH. However, I noticed that it can have some benefits. I have only two ways to approach my house - either North or South - and both are at 55 mph. When I used the North route, I was able to regenerate my engine in L vs. D, going a little slower than the posted speed limit (only when no one is behind me.) On the South route, I was actually able to coast half of it on EV at 40mph! This is an up and down route, which helped me out.

I've gleaned many pearls from reading these sites, some of which I've already applied. Also, I think any normal conservative driver could easily pick up the intracacies of driving a Hybrid.

However, it will be nice having a succinct primer to refer to when you first get this type of vehicle. I've sparked a lot of interest where I work in the idea of a hybrid, especially with the current gas prices. I'd like to hand those people a "best driving practices" guide when they buy one of these.

30+mpg vs. 20+ mpg with a minimal decrease in cargo-room -- why should someone consider a nonhybrid?

In the upper area of the page, there's a line of items, starting with glossary, user CP, FAQ, members, chatroom, etc. all the way to log out on the far side.

The glossary will tell you most of it. Some searching will help you, though you'll always have to bear in mind that techniques may not transfer smoothly. Low Speed Pulse and Glide doesn't work real well for the FEH, but does well for the Prius, for example, so you'll have to try what you want, and see how well that works for your hybrid, or find techniques that fellow TCH owners have found works for them.

Ranaes, your findings were in their own thread, not a reply.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

Check out www.hybridcenter.org. Its a website run by the Union of Concerned Scientists and there are some pretty good explanations of the different hybrid technologies there, and other discussions as well.

Good luck with your TCH. I have had mine for almost 2 mos and absolutely love the car.