How to Drive a Plug in Hybrid

Driving the Car Efficiently

1. Accelerate quickly to enter hybrid mode. Hybrids work best when you're cruising at a steady speed. If you're getting on the highway, press the gas pedal down to accelerate up to your cruising speed quickly. This burns more energy momentarily, but increases the car's overall efficiency because you'll reach cruising speeds faster.^[1]

2. Maintain a steady pace while driving. Just like with gas cars, smooth driving is the best way to maintain a hybrid's efficiency. Once you reach your cruising speed, keep steady pressure on the pedal to maintain your speed. Only press the brake if you have to slow down.^[2]

   1. Hybrids are most efficient up to about 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h), after which they start losing energy efficiency. Keep your highway speeds at that level for the best results, as long as it's within the speed limit.^[3]
   2. This may not be possible with city or neighborhood driving, when you'll have to stop at red light and stop signs. Do your best to drive smoothly. Avoid accelerating too suddenly to avoid jerky movements.
   3. Don't press the gas pedal harder to get up hills. Maintain the pressure and let your speed drop so the engine doesn't have to burn more energy.

3. Brake smoothly so the battery stores more energy. Hybrids use a braking system that recovers lost energy. This braking system only works during smooth stops, however. Hard braking uses the car's friction brakes and you'll lose that energy. Press the brake down gently and come to controlled, steady stops. This maintains the car's energy efficiency.^[4]

   1. Focus ahead of you and anticipate stops. For instance, if you see people putting on their brake lights up ahead, then start slowing down to come to a controlled stop.
   2. Don't follow traffic too closely. This makes sudden stopping inevitable. Leave enough room for a slow stop.
   3. This only applies in a non-emergency situation. If you're trying to avoid an accident, then brake as hard as you have to.

4. Drive in the HOV lane if your state allows you to. As an incentive to get more people to use hybrids, some states allow hybrid owners to drive in the HOV lane, even if they don't have any passengers. If your state allows this, take advantage of it. The HOV lane is usually less congested than the other lanes, meaning you can maintain a steady speed and keep the car's fuel efficiency up.^[5]

   1. In the US, the federal government keeps track of which states let hybrids drive in the HOV lane. For the list, visit https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/HOV.
   2. Remember, only do this if your state allows you to. If you drive in the HOV lane when you're not supposed to, you could get a fine.

5. Avoid towing or hauling anything with your hybrid. Hybrid cars are passenger cars and not intended for hauling anything. The increased resistance will decrease its efficiency dramatically. If you do have to haul anything, use a different car.^[6]

   1. If you have roof racks on your car, take anything off that you don't need. Any items up there will increase wind resistance and drop your energy efficiency.

6. Refuel the same way you would fill a gas-powered car. Refueling a hybrid is the same as refueling any other car. Pull up to the gas station when you're running low, pop the gas cap open, and fuel up until the tank is full.^[7]

   1. Confirm the refueling process in your owner's manual to make sure there are no special steps.
   2. Use regular, 87-octane gasoline just like with other cars, unless your car's manufacturer recommends that you use a higher octane.
   3. A good general rule is refueling when your gas tank hits 1/4 tank. This prevents gunk from getting into the engine.
   4. Hybrid fuel efficiency varies, depending on the model. Most can get above 50 mpg, so with a 12–15 gallons (45–57 L) tank, you'd only have to refuel every 600–750 miles (970–1,210 km). That's about 3-4 times better than a typical gas-powered car.