Five surprising things I learnt about owning my first hybrid car

For me, owning a hybrid is all about saving on petrol costs –  it’s slashed them in half. Fuel efficiency, especially in stop/start driving is much higher than with a petrol only car.

Then there’s the eco factor: less petrol consumed and less CO2 emissions.

But having a hybrid is also about relearning a car. Unusual noises, a different “feel” on the road, and even driving a different way to maximise fuel efficiency are all part of the deal.

Here’s five things I learnt about owning a hybrid car that may surprise you.

All hybrids use regenerative braking. That means the drive motor doubles as a generator to recharge your battery when you are braking, coasting or going downhill.

You may feel the brake regeneration kicking in under the brakes as the car slows, or the brake can feel a bit more abrupt than you are used to.

You may also notice a very slight increase in the rate of the vehicle slowing after you lift your foot off the accelerator and before you apply the brakes. 

When you start the car, you’ll hear nothing. Your car is on but it’s only the electric motor until you accelerate.

When turning the car off, there may also be some noises that come from electrical components such as the electric water pump or air conditioning compressor shutting down.

In my experience, this sounds like a much quieter version of an airplane coming into land.

You may also hear sounds related to the regeneration braking function when you use the brake or release the accelerator. This is normal.

Probably the biggest difference people with notice with hybrids is the extra electric motor torque accelerating from anything up to highway speeds.

This can make them feel “brisker” or give a sensation of the car feeling lighter. But that lightness is best translated as ‘eager’.

One great outcome from hybrid technology is the strong torque most hybrids exhibit. They respond to throttle pedal better than their non-hybrid counterparts. 

As with any car, the more aggressively you drive, the more fuel your hybrid will use.

Fortunately, it will often display an “eco score” that evaluates smooth start-off, driving without sudden acceleration and smooth stopping. When you do stop, a score will be displayed. Think of it as instant feedback on your driving.

Keep an eye on your dials and your score is a great way to learn how to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Because there is an air vent for the hybrid battery typically on the right side of the rear seat, you need to be careful not to cover it with a blanket or a dog seat protector.

Spilling liquid into the vent may also cause electrical components to malfunction.

So, exercise care, especially if you have pets or overactive kids.

Related: What I learnt living with an EV for a week

Related: What is a hybrid vehicle?

Related: Which are the best hybrid cars for families?