Hybrid Vehicle Energy Use: Where Does the Energy Go?
July 20, 2015
Hybrids are more efficient than comparable conventional vehicles, especially in stop-and-go driving, due to the use of regenerative braking, electric motor drive/assist, and start/stop technologies. Still, much of the energy is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies or used to power accessories. About 25%–40% of the energy from the fuel you put in a hybrid is used to move it down the road, depending on the type of driving.
Hybrid Vehicle Energy Use: Where Does the Energy Go?
Note
The figure is primarily showing losses, but the regenerative braking gains are shown below 0%, offsetting some of the above losses.
Source
U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fuel Economy Guide website.