Unlock better fuel economy with this Honda hybrid efficiency guide. UK tips for e:HEV & e:PHEV drivers, including charging, driving, and maintenance.
Most of us have grown up with petrol and diesel engines and are only now experiencing the joy of hybrid ownership – be that self-charging (e:HEV), or plug-in (e:PHEV). The benefits hybrids offer versus traditional petrol or diesel engined vehicles are huge, from improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, to lower running costs and faster acceleration, they really do offer the best of both worlds. So, let’s explore how to maximise the efficiency of a hybrid and how your everyday driving habits can help you get the most from of it.
Our everyday driving habits
For the majority of drivers in the UK, day-to-day driving is made up of short journeys; school drop-offs, commuting to work, nipping to the shops, visiting friends, going to the gym, popping out for dinner etc.
According to YouGov, 69% of us drive under 20 miles per day, with lots of little local trips being the norm for most. This style of driving is where hybrids truly thrive, with the electric motor coming into its own in stop-start traffic and at lower speeds. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how hybrid drivers can get the most from their vehicles and drive more efficiently.
Understanding how a hybrid works
In a hybrid the vehicle gets its power from two sources, an electric battery and an internal combustion engine, and they can either work together or on their own. All Hondas in the UK offer three different modes or ways that the car is powered.
Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about the different modes. All Honda e:HEVs automatically choose the best mode for your driving thanks to the two-motor hybrid system that adapts to the driving conditions in real time, seamlessly switching between electric, hybrid and engine driving without you have to think about a thing.
- Electric
- Hybrid
- Engine
When the car uses electric power
Self-charging hybrids typically draw on electric power during:
- Moving off from a stationary position
- Low-speed city driving
- Stop-start traffic
The system switches between power sources seamlessly, so you always have both available, which is particularly useful in unpredictable urban conditions.
How the petrol engine and electric motor work together
The petrol engine and electric motor operate as a team, with the system automatically deciding which source, or combination of both, is most efficient at any given moment. At lower speeds or during gentle acceleration, the electric motor typically leads. At higher speeds or under more demand, the petrol engine takes over or assists.
Honda’s e:HEV system uses three distinct drive modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. These optimise efficiency across different conditions. Because the car recharges itself during normal driving, there’s no need for a home charger or to factor charging time into any journey.
Getting the most from your e:HEV
Let’s take a look at some tips that can help hybrid drivers drive more efficiently.
1. Accelerate smoothly and gradually to help the car stay in electric mode for longer
2. Brake early and gently to take advantage of regenerative braking
3. Maintain a steady pace, avoiding sharp acceleration and braking
4. Use Econ mode to get the greatest efficiency
5. Choose slower urban routes instead of fast, opens roads to make the most of the electric mode and reduce petrol consumption
e:PHEV routines for efficient driving
Much like the self-charging hybrid, when in auto mode a Honda plug-in hybrid will automatically choose the most efficient driving mode, dependent on factors such as road conditions and driving speeds, effortlessly switching between the electric motor and petrol engine.
Alternatively, you can manually choose the drive mode in the CR-V e:PHEV by pressing the blue battery button in the centre console. Selecting EV switches to the electric motor, or SAVE swaps to the petrol engine, saving the electric range for when you might need it.
Getting the most from your e:PHEV
1. Keep on top of charging by plugging in each day, even if the battery isn’t empty – little and often works best
2. Use the auto / hybrid mode to automatically select the best driving mode, particularly on faster roads
3. When you want to override the automatic mode selection, press the blue battery button in the centre console and manually select the mode you want
4. Anticipate traffic, braking and accelerating gently, to maximise fuel efficiency
5. Try to maintain a constant speed rather than speeding up and slowing down
Hybrid Myths Debunked
Hybrids are slow and boring
Absolutely not! In fact, the acceleration on a hybrid is often faster than a traditional internal combustion engine car thanks to the high-torque electric motor that provides instant acceleration, making it feel more responsive.
All hybrids need to be plugged in
No, only PHEV or plug-in hybrids need to be physically plugged in to charge, most hybrids are self-charging.
You can't drive a hybrid if the battery is empty
Incorrect. The hybrid technology will automatically switch to the petrol engine when the battery gets low.
Hybrids are complicated to drive
Definitely not true - hybrids are just like driving an automatic as they don’t have a manual gearbox or a clutch pedal, so are very straightforward.
Neutral coasting saves fuel
Whilst technically you might not be using petrol, coasting in neutral can disable the automatic regen that comes from braking, so it’s best to brake rather than coast.
Tyres don't matter
Wrong. Tyres are essential to the vehicle and must be kept at the correct pressure for your car to be safe and deliver the best fuel efficiency. As well as monitoring the pressures you should also check for defects, making sure there is enough tread to keep you safe and legal.
Servicing – the key to happier motoring
The best way to make sure your hybrid is not only working efficiently but is safe and road legal, is to get it regularly serviced. Not only will this keep it in top working order, but it will also add to the resale value when you come to sell it. Nobody knows your Honda better than our expert technicians and thanks to our Honda Service Promise you can relax knowing it’s in the best hands at your local Honda service centre.
Fitting only Honda Genuine Parts, any servicing or repairs are guaranteed for 12 months, they’ll match any like-for-like quote* for servicing, MOTs, new tyres and repairs and they’ll even offer you complimentary refreshments - winner winner!
