Have you ever wondered how far can a hybrid car go without gas? Is it good for a hybrid car to run only in electric mode without using gas? In this blog, we will answer these questions and explore some factors that affect a hybrid car’s electric range. We will also compare the performance of different hybrid car models.
How Far Can a Hybrid Car Go Without Gas?
A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses a combination of a conventional gasoline engine an electric motor and a battery. By switching between the two power sources, a hybrid car can achieve lower emissions, better fuel economy, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels to a great extent. However, the distance that a hybrid car can go without gas depends on the type of hybrid car, the battery size and charge, the driving conditions and habits, and the AC settings. The electric range of a hybrid car can vary from 10 to 38 miles (16 to 61 kilometers), depending on the hybrid car model and the driving situation.
Can you drive a Hybrid if you run out of gas?
Yes, you can drive a hybrid car if you run out of gas but only for a limited distance depending on the electric range of your hybrid car. If you run out of gas in a conventional hybrid car, you can still drive for a short distance on electric power until the battery runs out of charge. Once the battery runs out of charge, you will not be able to drive any further, and you will need to refuel your hybrid car as soon as possible.
What happens if a hybrid car runs out of gas?
A hybrid car needs gas to run, as it has a limited electric range. If you run out of gas in a hybrid car, the engine will stop running and the car will switch to electric mode. This means that the car will run on the battery until it runs out of charge. The battery can last for a few miles, depending on the electric range of your hybrid car. Once the battery runs out of charge, the car will not be able to move any further, and you will be stranded on the road.
Running out of gas in a hybrid car can have serious consequences for your car. It can damage the engine, the fuel pump, the fuel injectors, and the battery. It can also void the warranty of your car, as it can be considered negligence or abuse. Running out of gas in a hybrid car can also endanger your safety, as it can leave you exposed to traffic hazards and environmental risks. You may also lose the power to your brakes, steering, lights, radio, and other safety accessories.
How to Identify if a Hybrid Car is running out of gas?
The indicators that hybrid cars are running out of gas are similar to those of conventional cars, but there are some differences and nuances that you should be aware of.
Here are some of the indicators of hybrid cars
- The fuel gauge and the low fuel warning light: These show the amount of gas left in your tank and warn you when the fuel level is low. However, they may not be very accurate or reliable, as they can be affected by the battery charge and the driving mode. Therefore, you should check the fuel level manually and regularly, and refuel your car before it reaches the empty mark or the low fuel warning light comes on.
- The hybrid system indicator: This shows the status and the operation of the hybrid system, such as the battery charge, the power flow, and the driving mode. However, this can also indicate that your hybrid car is running out of gas, by showing you the battery charge and the power flow.
- The engine performance and sound: In hybrid cars, the engine performance and sound can vary depending on the driving mode and the battery charge. If the engine starts to sputter, stutter, or lose power, it means that your hybrid car is suffering from fuel starvation and you need to refuel your car as soon as possible.
Running out of gas in a hybrid car can be a very inconvenient and risky situation, but it can also be prevented or dealt with easily if you know the indicators and the actions to take.
To avoid such inconveniences here are some tips on how to prevent or deal with running out of gas in a hybrid car:
- Check fuel and battery often and fill up before empty or low warning.
- Plan trips and find nearby gas and charging stations with GPS or an app. Avoid areas with few or far stations.
- Carry a gas can and a portable charger and fill the can when you refuel the car. Be safe with them and follow the rules.
- Call for help or someone you know if you run out of gas on the road. Do not walk to the station by yourself. Stay in the car or lock it and take valuables.
Does AC burn gas in hybrid cars?
Yes, AC does burn gas in hybrid cars but the amount of gas varies depending on the hybrid car model and the AC settings. The AC system in hybrid cars can be powered by either the gasoline engine or the electric motor and battery, and it consumes energy to run the compressor and the fan.
The amount of energy and gas consumed by the AC system depends on several factors, such as
- The outside temperature: The AC system in the car uses more gas to cool the cabin when the outside temperature is higher because it has to remove more heat.
- The fan speed: The gas consumption of the AC system in the car depends on the fan speed, which determines how much air it has to circulate. The fan uses more energy and burns more gas when it runs faster.
- The recirculation mode: The recirculation mode uses the air from the cabin, while the fresh air mode brings in the air from the environment. The AC system saves energy and gas by using the recirculation mode because the cabin air is usually cooler than the outside air.
Heejung Jung from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Riverside, conducted a study on how the AC system affects the fuel consumption of hybrid cars in summer. The study found that the AC system makes hybrid cars use 22% to 25% more fuel. The exact increase depends on the mode and the start condition of the car. For example, the increase is 25% for blended Charge Depleting mode with a warm start, 22 ± 8% for Charge Sustaining mode with a warm start, and 22 ± 9% for Charge Sustaining mode with a cold start.
To give you some examples of how much gas the AC burns in different hybrid car models, let’s look at some of the results from a study conducted by The Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
| Model Of Car | Average MPG Decrease With AC Turned On |
| Honda Insight | -24.0% |
| Toyota Prius Gen 1 | -19.5% |
| Silverado | -15.0% |
| Toyota Prius Gen 2 | -21.5% |
| Ford Escape | -23.0% |
| Honda Accord | -18.5% |
How far can a plug-in hybrid go without gas?
A plug-in hybrid can travel longer on electric power than a conventional hybrid car. These have bigger batteries that can allow them to drive 10-140 miles (16-225 kilometers) in electric mode when fully charged. Some newer models can reach up to 140 miles (225 kilometers) using only the electric motor, but this is an estimate that can vary depending on various factors, such as the battery size, the driving conditions, and the driving habits. Therefore, it is advisable to check the electric range of your plug-in hybrid model before you buy it and to monitor the battery charge and the fuel level regularly. This way, you can enjoy the best performance of your plug-in hybrid car, and save money and the environment.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have learned how far can a hybrid car go without gas, and what factors can affect the electric range of a hybrid car. We have found that it is not recommended to drive a hybrid car without gas as it can damage the car and risk your safety. We appreciate your time and attention to this blog. We hope you found it helpful and interesting. If you want to share your thoughts or queries, please write them in the comment section. We are eager to listen to you. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your drive!