Glendaleblvd Posted January 29, 2013 at 02:17 AM Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 02:17 AM I am a home health physical therapist that travels 60-90 miles per day. I am trying to determine which would be best for me a hybrid or a hybrid plug in. I live in Virginia where there are a lot of ups and downs as well as flat areas. if the hybrid plugin only gives me an extra 20 miles to start my day I'm not sure if it is my best option. 1 of my biggest question is if I can store, through braking, enough energy to overflow the battery for the hybrid that the extra battery in the hybrid plugin would actually be of more benefit than just the first 20 miles. any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted January 29, 2013 at 03:43 AM Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 03:43 AM (edited) That is a really hard Q to answer. I have never bought into the economic argument for a car. If you are looking for pure economics go buy a used base model civic or yaris and the cost differential will more then make up what you are missing in gas mileage. If you are wondering which car would give you the better gas milage, well that is a simple math problem. Using the EPA estimates, lets assume you would get 100 equiv mpg from your first 20 miles, then 43 from your remaining mileage for the energi. At 60 miles you should be averaging around 62 miles energy equiv and at 90 miles your getting just over 55. Both of these trips are better then the 47 combined from the hybrid. But remember your electricity is also cheaper (about 25% I think) as pricey as your petrol. By the math you would have to drive more then 285 miles with out charging to go under the 47 MPE. For me I live about 11 miles away from work, so I will be getting in the high 80's. (can't charge at work yet). But its not all about the MPEs for me either, I was facinated by the Volt (tried to make it work for me, but it just didn't feel right -- especially in the back seat. And the styling is no where near the Fusion.) I am pationate about cars and am looking forward to this new technology and it does not hurt that I will be going by the gas station a lot less, or reducing my carbon foot print. I was very close to pulling the trigger on the hybrid, but I know I would have regretted not playing with the energi. In the end your going to have to decide why you want a car, and then buy the car that best fits those needs. Almost forgot, welcome to the boards Glendaleblvd. Edited January 29, 2013 at 03:50 AM by meyersnole pluggedin and Hybridbear 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glendaleblvd Posted January 29, 2013 at 10:37 AM Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 10:37 AM When I read that the Ford Fusion Hybrid plugin would reach around 100 mpge, I assumed that meant I would drive around 100 miles per gallon gas burned. I am paid 50 cents per mile driven. After doing the math At driving 60-80 miles per day I discovered the car would pay for itself compared to what I am currently spending with a vehicle that gets 23 mpg. The money has to go somewhere I could either pay for gas or pay for a car but it was being spent on one or the other. the more articles I read I feel that the 100 miles per gallon of gas burnt assumption that I made was incorrect. Thank you for the response meyersnole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_h Posted January 29, 2013 at 01:13 PM Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 01:13 PM You say you have travels each day, and I think the number of stops and duration is something to consider. Do you make 1-2 stops per day where you could plug in while caring for your patients (and would they be OK with you plugging into their exterior outlet)? If so, then it would be something to seriously consider. I have a relative who is 100% disabled and gets outside home care every day, so it would make sense for one of the ladies that is there all day. However, if you have multiple stops during the day where taking out the cord and plugging in where allowed (then stowing the cord again before leaving) would get really old, probably better to skip it. Where are you located in Virginia? I am between DC and Richmond, if you live around there you can come check out my 2013 FFH and see what you think - I spend a lot of time in I-95 which is not flat in this area but a lot of gradual ups and downs, which I think is the perfect setting. Since the temp warmed up a bit today, this morning's 60-mile commute was 47.8 MPG and the afternoon commutes are normally a little better (got 49.8 MPG one day last week) as the colder weather will cause an MPG hit. So let me know, and if you also create an account on http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/ we can send PMs as needed (I don't have enough posts on Energi forum yet). FusionEnergi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsamp Posted January 29, 2013 at 09:05 PM Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 09:05 PM I agree with Jeff. If you can plug in more than once a day (once at night and once or more during the day while out and about), then it might be worthwhile to go with the Energi. If you can only plug in at night, it doesn't make (financial) sense to get the plug-in, get the hybrid instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glendaleblvd Posted January 29, 2013 at 11:11 PM Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 at 11:11 PM Unfortunately for me only at night is my option. thank you so much for your input. I travel from the city to the hollers. I believe hybrid is the way I'm going to go or just keep my Ford 500 that runs great. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionEnergi Posted January 31, 2013 at 10:34 PM Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 at 10:34 PM You need to buy a Tesla! Just kidding.Yes, the regenerative breaking can help you achieve greater combined trip mileage. Learn to apply hypermiling techniques to do even better.Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glendaleblvd Posted February 1, 2013 at 03:09 AM Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 03:09 AM I actually ordered a Tesla today. Just kidding. I've been looking at prices on hybrid Titaniums verses plugin Titaniums and prices on that different following the rebate that you receive with the plug in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glendaleblvd Posted February 1, 2013 at 03:11 AM Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 03:11 AM It's supposed to say aren't that different. Jeff I live in Roanoke a little far to drive to try yours out but thank you so much for the offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_h Posted February 1, 2013 at 12:53 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 12:53 PM It's supposed to say aren't that different. Jeff I live in Roanoke a little far to drive to try yours out but thank you so much for the offer. Yeah we are 185 miles apart, not exactly down the street! You can order a Titaniun Hybrid but won't see it for 2-3 months, or you might be able to find an SE Hybrid on a lot if you want something sooner, though they are pretty scarce too. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionEnergi Posted February 1, 2013 at 01:11 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 01:11 PM There are plenty of hybrids i have seen here in the hampton roads area of Virginia. I passed by a sale lot this morning with 4 Chevy volts waiting to go to a home? If it wasnt so small inside i may have stopped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggy314 Posted February 1, 2013 at 04:08 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 04:08 PM (edited) I ran the 4 VINs for Energi SE's coming to central Texas for dealer lot stock and they are all four built in the last 7 days, so they are, in theory, shipping... If only they'd start building the Titaniums. The dealer I ordered from has at least 1-2 Fusion hybrids and 0-1 CMax on the lot, but they sell in 1-2 days, so it's constantly changing... You can watch the new inventory stock at your local dealer via Ford.com or I assume the dealer's web site. All my local dealers have a new car stock listing link on their web sites. (edited for clarity) Edited February 1, 2013 at 06:29 PM by shaggy314 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionEnergi Posted February 1, 2013 at 05:06 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 05:06 PM I am a home health physical therapist that travels 60-90 miles per day. I am trying to determine which would be best for me a hybrid or a hybrid plug in. I live in Virginia where there are a lot of ups and downs as well as flat areas. if the hybrid plugin only gives me an extra 20 miles to start my day I'm not sure if it is my best option. 1 of my biggest question is if I can store, through braking, enough energy to overflow the battery for the hybrid that the extra battery in the hybrid plugin would actually be of more benefit than just the first 20 miles. any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Have you considered the outlander phev or the volvo xc60 plugin? They are both supposed to have 30miles of ev range. They are a little more wait, but that would give you about half your trip on ev. Down the hills you will get some regen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggy314 Posted February 1, 2013 at 06:29 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 at 06:29 PM I think VW is talking a diesel hybrid too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.