Originally Posted by
vnx205
My take on this is that you are making the mistake of thinking of the hybrid as an electric vehicle, so you are placing too much emphasis on the issue of the inefficiencies involved in converting energy.
My experience is with the Toyota Camry AVV50R hybrid, so some of my comments may not apply to other brands.
Even on the highway, the hybrid Camry has an advantage over similar non-hybrid vehicles. It uses an Atkinson Cycle engine rather than an Otto Cycle. I believe an Atkinson Cycle engine can be up to 30% more efficient.
The Atkinson ICE has a disadvantage; that is less torque at low revs. However, the electric power largely created by regenerative braking more than makes up for the reduced torque.
So around town, the Camry hybrid has all the advantages offered by regen braking. On the highway it has the advantage of a more fuel efficient engine without sacrificing any performance because of the electric power available.
EDIT: Toyota claim 5.4 l/100km for non hybrid Camry highway cycle and 4.5l/100km for hybrid. I assume that the degree of optimism is similar for both figures. So the Hybrid is a bit more efficient on the highway and much more efficient in the city.
