EV & Hybrids

Hybrid Vehicles: It’ s About Fuel Economy

Hybrid vehicles are driven by a gasoline or diesel engine and electric motor powered by a rechargeable high-voltage battery pack. Because electric motors deliver all their torque at zero rpm, they make for great acceleration–exactly where the gasoline engine falters.
In the city, hybrids rely on their more efficient electric motors while on the open road, they work almost entirely on the gasoline counterpart. Most hybrids get better fuel economy overall than their conventional counterparts, yet usually require about the same maintenance.

Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance Advantages

When comparing hybrid to conventional gas powered vehicles, both require about the same regular maintenance. Still, it can be easier to take care of hybrid cars and trucks in at least three respects:

• Brake wear – Hybrid brakes don’t engage until later in a stop and brake pads and rotors won’t wear or heat up as much. However, regular brake service – including descaling, lubrication, and bleeding – is necessary to keep them moving freely.
• Engine wear – A hybrid runs only when the battery needs charging or extra motive power is needed. While hybrid engines won’t always have extended oil-change intervals, they experience less overall wear, helping them last much longer.
• Hybrid system – Brushless electric permanent-magnet and induction motors require zero maintenance, and the high-voltage hybrid battery pack is a non-serviceable component. An air-cooled hybrid battery pack may require an air filter cleaning or replacement periodically. Water-cooled components, such as inverters and converters, require less service than conventional cooling systems because they aren’t subjected to the engine’s extreme temperatures.

Electric Vehicles: You Need to Know
MAINTAIN AND PROTECT YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE

EVs can be a practical and economical means of transportation. Just be aware of their unique cold-weather requirements before hitting the road in the cold winter season.
For example, windshield washer fluid may need an additional winter-appropriate mixture. By using a good ice scraper to clear an icy windshield means you won’t have to use up precious electrical power by running the defroster.

AVOID RUST PROTECTION

The steel used to make electric cars is generally treated in the factory. So, applying rust protection is not as important when you buy a new car.
In addition, EV manufacturers do not recommend rustproofing, saying that coating parts and high-voltage electrical wiring can cause serious damage. In fact, some vehicle warranties are weakened or voided altogether if rustproofing is applied.

KEEP THE BATTERIES WARM

EV batteries are temperature-sensitive and must be kept warm. Many cars come with thermal management systems that help prevent the batteries from freezing. Keep your car in the garage or at least insulate the batteries to help them last longer and charge better.

MORE POWER THAN GRIP

One of the biggest factors with an EV is the immediate delivery of torque from its electric motor. This instant power burst gets your car moving quickly. On snow or ice, that means spinning your wheels. Adding a set of snow tires and keeping tire pressure lower than usual can help increase winter traction.

LIMITED RANGE

Cold weather can result in lower charging and output levels. Even if you charge your EV in a garage or shelter, the batteries may get cold while you’re driving, making insulation even more important. Remember: if you run out of power on the road, towing an EV often requires a flatbed tow, because the electric motor won’t disengage like a gas-powered vehicle.