Google testing plug-in hybrids in real-world situations

[Thorin]

So Google decided to run tests to see how plug-in hybrid cars compare to non-plug-in hybrid cars.  And they're publishing their data for free as they go:

http://www.google.org/recharge/dashboard

Today, the numbers are:
Ford Escape Hybrid: 28.6 MPG
Ford Escape Plugin Hybrid: 40.4 MPG, 138.5 Wh/M
Toyota Prius Hybrid: 49.0 MPG
Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid: 69.2 MPG, 129.7 Wh/M

So I did the math on it.

Ford Escape Hybrid
28.6 MPG = 12.1058 km/L = 8.2605 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $10.0695
$10.07 to go 100km

Ford Escape Plugin Hybrid
40.4 MPG = 17.1005 km/L = 5.8478 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $7.1285
138.5 Wh/M = 86.5625 Wh/km * 100km = 8.6563 kWh/100km * $0.10 / kWh = $0.8656
$7.1285 + $0.8656 = 7.9941
$7.99 to go 100km

Saves per year on 20,000kms: $416

Toyota Prius Hybrid
49.0 MPG = 20.7407 km/L = 4.8214 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $5.8773
$5.88 to go 100km

Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid
69.2 MPG = 29.2910 km/L = 3.4140 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $4.1616
129.7 Wh/M = 81.0625 Wh/km * 100km = 8.1063 kWh/100km * $0.10 / kWh = $0.8106
$4.1616 + $0.8106 = 4.9722
$4.97 to go 100km

Saves per year on 20,000kms: $182

The question, of course, is if we switch to electric, whether the price of a kiloWatt-hour of electricity will increase significantly, and if the price of a liter of gas will drop due to a reduction in demand.

Still, kudos to Google for setting up a proper real-world test rather than just talking theory.

[Lazybones]

If they are just doing Plugin conversions on the existing units that seems to make sense. However the new factory plugin hybrids are supposed to be designed to run on on charge until depleted with a range of 40 Miles or so. This makes it possible to commute with 0 gas used if you live close enough to work or shop, this is the BIG thing I am interested in as it would make the cost of short common trips VERY cheap.

Current hybrids often only use electricity mode as low speeds, the savings from the conversion kits comes from starting the trip with a full charge unless the modified units have also had the computer altered.

[Mr. Analog]

I almost got hit by a hybrid yesterday.

Me and three other people were crossing 100 Ave and 107 Street at about 08:30 and some tard thought he could make a quick right turn without letting pedestrians pass, trouble was that none of us could hear his damn car as it didn't stop. Close call for all of us, that guys insurance would have gone up lol

[Thorin]

Yeah, I've been indoctrinating my kids on the danger of not looking now that there are cars that don't make a sound while they're driving.

[Lazybones]

They are talking about adding FAKE engine sounds. This seems like an OK idea till you think about what the kids to with mufflers and loud stereos these days. Can't wait to hear a Hybrid Civic that sounds like a monster truck.

[Darren Dirt]

So I did the math on it.

Ford Escape Hybrid
28.6 MPG = 12.1058 km/L = 8.2605 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $10.0695
$10.07 to go 100km

Ford Escape Plugin Hybrid
40.4 MPG = 17.1005 km/L = 5.8478 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $7.1285
138.5 Wh/M = 86.5625 Wh/km * 100km = 8.6563 kWh/100km * $0.10 / kWh = $0.8656
$7.1285 + $0.8656 = 7.9941
$7.99 to go 100km

Toyota Prius Hybrid
49.0 MPG = 20.7407 km/L = 4.8214 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $5.8773
$5.88 to go 100km

Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid
69.2 MPG = 29.2910 km/L = 3.4140 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $4.1616
129.7 Wh/M = 81.0625 Wh/km * 100km = 8.1063 kWh/100km * $0.10 / kWh = $0.8106
$4.1616 + $0.8106 = 4.9722
$4.97 to go 100km

I was curious, since with my 1998 Protege I am still getting around 11km/L...
= 11 km/L = 9.091 L/100km * $1.219 / L
= $11.08 to go 100km

Sure it doesn't come close to the Prius, but gives the Ford "hybrid" a run for its money, but wow -- gotta love the small engines

They are talking about adding FAKE engine sounds. This seems like an OK idea till you think about what the kids to with mufflers and loud stereos these days. Can't wait to hear a Hybrid Civic that sounds like a monster truck.

...need a new derogatory acronym along the lines of "RICE", perhaps?




Interesting that the "first" hybrid was a Porsche, innit?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_hybrid#History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_vehicles#Hybrid_vehicle_engines_and_how_they_work

[Lazybones]

Funny, my car is about par with the Escape Hybrid at about 12L /100 km. Then again it is a BIG car with a V6 in it.

[Thorin]

Ford Escape Hybrid
28.6 MPG = 12.1058 km/L = 8.2605 L/100km * $1.219 / L = $10.0695

Funny, my car is about par with the Escape Hybrid at about 12L /100 km.

No, your car is using about 12 liters for 100 kms while the Escape Hybrid is using about 8 liters.  That makes your car 50% less fuel-efficient than the Escape Hybrid.

[Lazybones]

oops you are right, I read that wrong.

From a strictly cash point of view the gap for the cost of a new car to fuel savings isn't there yet since I take transit to work.

[Thorin]

I hear ya.  My commute from the bedroom to the computer area in my house uses no gas   I need to get a second vehicle on the road for all the hockey going on these days, though.  The problem is all the hybrids cost so much.  Better to buy a cheap car and use a little more fuel.

Now if only I could actually afford that second car.

[Mr. Analog]

I hear ya.  My commute from the bedroom to the computer area in my house uses no gas   I need to get a second vehicle on the road for all the hockey going on these days, though.  The problem is all the hybrids cost so much.  Better to buy a cheap car and use a little more fuel.

Now if only I could actually afford that second car.

Hockey is increasing your carbon footprint lol

[Thorin]

I hear ya.  My commute from the bedroom to the computer area in my house uses no gas   I need to get a second vehicle on the road for all the hockey going on these days, though.  The problem is all the hybrids cost so much.  Better to buy a cheap car and use a little more fuel.

Now if only I could actually afford that second car.

Hockey is increasing your carbon footprint lol

Yeah.  And having a second car would actually decrease my carbon footprint, because instead of
  driving to rink A, dropping off kid 1,
  then driving to rink B, dropping off kid 2,
  then driving back to rink A, picking up kid 1,
  then driving back to rink B, picking up kid 2,
  then driving home
I could
  drive to rink A, watch kid 1 play, then drive home
while my wife
  drives to rink B, watches kid 2 play, then drives home.

I just can't afford the initial outlay required to eventually reduce my carbon footprint.  So I'll keep the big boots on while I make my footprints in the carbon.

[Lazybones]

Don't forget the increased insurance costs.

[Darren Dirt]

So Google decided to run tests to see how plug-in hybrid cars compare to non-plug-in hybrid cars.  And they're publishing their data for free as they go:

http://www.google.org/recharge/dashboard

Today, the numbers are:
Ford Escape Hybrid: 28.6 MPG
Ford Escape Plugin Hybrid: 40.4 MPG, 138.5 Wh/M
Toyota Prius Hybrid: 49.0 MPG
Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid: 69.2 MPG, 129.7 Wh/M

compare to this "fuel-efficiemt cars" list...

Prius FTW!

[Thorin]

compare to this "fuel-efficiemt cars" list...

Prius FTW!

If you're only comparing fuel economy ratings, the Prius is high on the list.  If you're looking at total cost of ownership, the Focus is about $8,000 cheaper for a similarly-equipped car.  And that's comparing MSRP.  Ford dealers are notorious for lowering prices on their cars to get you to buy them, while Toyota sells Priuses at MSRP or higher.  There's also insurance costs and maintenance costs, but I really don't know them for these cars.