Questions, Coffee & Cars // Hybrid or plug-in, plug-in or hybrid?

[@richardhale2117]

As an owner of a PHEV for two and a half years, I offer this simple advice for deciding whether a plug-in or regular hybrid is best for you: If you generally drive up to or slightly above the electric range of your car between opportunities to charge, (with an occasional longer trip on gas thrown in) get the plug-in hybrid. If not, you will do better with a regular hybrid.

[@billurban1581]

Richard, these calculations are fun. Similar to you, I have 28 months, 24,000 miles, in a ‘22 and a ‘23 PHEV. In the ‘23 (41 mile battery) I av 38.5 miles per day, 23 days per month. Including electric (@ 16.6¢/kWh) it costs 7.9¢ per mile to propel this PHEV. My last ICE, if assuming the same cost of gas, 13.6¢. We agree this PHEV is worthwhile. But if I drove 71 miles every day and burned 1 gallon of gas (41 on electric, 30 on gas = 71 mpg) why wouldn’t that be worthwhile? (This is a worse case scenario, because my ‘23 has averaged 101 MPG for 14,000 miles.)

[@DK-ys2cw]

“Life is too short… drive what you want”, is good advice for a middle aged person who is well established and possibly too frugal. However, this isn’t a good approach for someone in their 20’s who needs a 6-year loan to cover the payments. ..From someone who learned the hard way!

[@pierrec.5516]

If I drove what I wanted I would drive a 66 Mercedes Pagoda resto-mod. I think Zack's point has to be taken with a caveat, the difference in monthly cost between a Corolla and a Corolla SE is somewhere around $45.00 a month on a four year amortization. Years ago I made a mistake of not taking AC because it was an extra $1,500.00. I regretted that for the whole time I owned the car but more so when I sold it because I got less for the car.

[@devynm1309]

I love that I can count on y'all for vehicle tips and dating tips! You both display the kind of joy people want in a partner!

[@vancity2349]

Totally agree about subscription services for features in cars. I hope all brands learned from the negative feedback back that BMW went through. We do not want subscriptions

[@johnverlautz6025]

I'm a PHEV driver since 2020, almost 4 years and about 35k miles during that time. I actively manage EV vs. Hybrid mode while driving, only 30 to 50 miles per day. Because I plug in nightly, I try and use up the juice daily. EV mode is much better at in town speeds. I switch to hybrid mode when on the highway at 60-70mph. Also I have no heat pump, so using the heater is best in hybrid mode to use engine heat. Seat heater uses negligible EV range. Hope this helps. I think this EV/hybrid migration is really hard to navigate.

[@siphonsnob]

The right answer, it makes no sense to drive around in hybrid mode if the battery is fully charged (if the battery is full, where would the free energy from regenerative braking go?)

[@billurban1581]

Volvo and BMW PHEV‘s, and perhaps others, have an important feature . . . “Smart energy distribution,” for when a trip will exceed battery range. From the owner’s manual: “if a destination has been selected in maps, the vehicle will calculate the most energy efficient way to distribute the electrical current throughout the trip. The calculation takes into account factors such as speed limit, traffic, and altitude differences.” It will accommodate not only one way trips, but round trips as well. This isn’t well-known because no one reads the owners manual.

[@jayshahu]

That is just marketing fluff. If you are outside the ev range then you have to use gas and about the same amount without this feature

[@billurban1581]

It works as I have described. I've done it 100+ times.@@jayshahu

[@tonytu6248]

Love u guys! This channel should be 1 Mil subscribers!!

[@jp93309]

Main benefit for plain hybrids: Convenience. From fewer trips to get gas. And no reason to remind yourself to plug in when you get home.

[@Flying-Fox19]

I second that, money for gas isn't a big issue to me, stopping for gas is.

[@khuo0219]

Plugging in at home doesn't take much time

[@billurban1581]

@@khuo0219EXACTLY. adds 10 seconds or less for me. And if plugged in you can warm or cool the cabin with house current, from your phone app, that’s really a nice feature.

[@briankneebone9543]

I'm really loving this series. Very relatable to the tech industry on billable capabilities and where that balance is outside of car world. I've shared with my colleagues. Also, thanks for the fun around cars and dating and being LGBT friendly. You both rock!

[@JimAllder11]

You guys are like great psychiatrists for prospective car buyers. Thank you. We appreciate it.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you, we appreciate that.

[@arilebon]

Love your show. Started watching when I was looking for a car. Now that I've purchased the car, via your wonderful guidance, I now watch your show for the entertainment (I'm with you Andrea -- w.r.t not judging people of car/dating).

[@steelheader2543]

Absolutely positively the best car reviews out there…you two are so knowledgeable, honest and entertaining with your reviews. And I love the research you are willing to do if you are unsure when answering the viewers questions. I never miss an episode.

[@erickchang2709]

With the recent $6500 lease incentive for RAV4 Prime in California, you can get a RAV4 Prime at the price of RAV4 hybrid by using the cash incentive to pay down on a lease of RAV4 Prime. After making the first lease payment, just buy out the remaining lease.

[@re-tiredsteve5195]

To respond to Abuciora's concerns with gas prices in luxury hybrid suv's; we also came from a 2009 Murano with 385,000 km's on it! We chose to make the switch back in July of '22, to a luxury hybrid and were lucky to find a pre ordered '22 NX350h hybrid fully loaded executive model. This model, along with most recent Lexus suv models, actually state that premium gas is preferred, but it's not necessary! We have 29,000 kms on it now and haven't used anything but regular gas without a problem at all. I will say the NX is a little bit smaller than the Murano including rear storage, but mileage is spot on, 7.5 l/100kms in winter (to be expected) but in warmer weather it's getting 6 to 6.8 l/100kms which is equal to claimed mileage figures by Lexus. We really love the NX and glad we made the choice. Please give it a good look I don't think you'll be disapointed.

[@davidwilson9247]

Love your analysis of cars. Your reviews relate exactly to my thoughts about vehicles. Thanks.

[@MechayaAlta]

For a frugal 2 car family: a 2-3 year old CPO EV (they are heavily depreciated) town car, and an ICE car for road trips.

[@Larry-Hi]

Not good advice to not be concerned about reliability. Regardless if you have a extended warranty or not. If it’s not reliable, you can’t use it for what you bought it for, good dependable transportation. Plus, extended warranty can be expensive. You guys can afford it, but many families do not have the disposable income to make bad purchases.

[@andreaspencer9813]

I totally agree, I speak to people daily about purchasing vehicles and reliability is number 1 on their list. But, there are some who just want what they want.

[@orlandomarinez70]

Love you guys…, best reviews out there 🎉

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@Kmn55650]

It's best to crunch the numbers. Figure out your gas bill for each month, your mileage of a hybrid vs gas, and the prices of a hybrid vs PHEV, or even a straight gas guzzler. I did this. My gas bill since retiring is around $1400/yr. Not worth the change from my gas hog to either of the hybrids until I need a new car. Then it'll be a straight hybrid, unless the plugins are reduced in price.

[@GusGus1996]

I had the question about the Arteon and I followed your advice and bought it out. Thank you so much and if you are ever in Tampa, I will take you all out to dinner. You both are the best!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Awesome, it's a great car, glad you bought it out.

[@timphillips4147]

Really enjoy listening to your content, always informative and great fun 🎉

[@gpaull2]

I have never heard about reduced efficiency of hybrids in colder climates. Just spent my first winter with a CRV hybrid. Living in the north I’ve discovered that in the cold the engine is almost always running to provide heat. As a result I’m barely getting better fuel mileage than my coworker with the ICE version. I’ve calculated that the extra cost of the hybrid will probably not pay for itself…unless I keep it for decades and the hybrid system never needs any repairs in that time.

[@Rissybear]

@motormouth … I left Lexus/ Toyota for Porsche Macan.. some say bad decision.. but loving my commute.. 2023 GTS ❤ Maybe less reliable, but you really can’t beat the drive! Worth the “ Porsche Tax” on maintenance 😊 I agree with you get what you enjoy!

[@andreaspencer9813]

The Macan GTS is fantastic, enjoy it!

[@Flying-Fox19]

As long as your commute has little traffic unlike my city here. That hp would be useless and burn you a lot more gas trust me.

[@Rissybear]

@@Flying-Fox19 actually I have a lot of congested traffic for 12 miles but get 25 mpg. I still get to have fun on some parts of the commute and weekends lol 😆

[@Charles-t3q]

You took a question on where PHEV's are more or less efficient given state of charge. I recently had a jeep wrangler plugin as a rental. Driving it with the battery on E-Save and charged to 100% it was only as inefficient as the gas engine However I found out that if I got on the highway gas only and set the cruise, then switched to hybrid mode the instaMPG jumped by 14 and the battery slowly depleted over the next 70 miles. The vehicle then returned to its gas only highway inefficiency. So I guess it depends on how it's set up.

[@steveamcbride2923]

The Corolla Hybrid is way more car in an SE trim over the LE trim. We just picked up our 2024 Corolla Hybrid SE AWD after waiting 5 months and we love it. Well worth spending the extra for the SE and it is a better looking car in my opinion just based on the front end of the car.

[@charlesheiser8067]

Love to hear what you guys think of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid. It's getting a lot of press lately

[@rokzkypiazky2451]

Yes Honda is making a Lemon car like our 2022 Honda Pilot!🥹🥹🥹🙈🙈🙈

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Just say NO to subscription services ... looking at you GM. They will get the message. Edit: I have owned 2 Hyundai EVs since 2020 - a Kona EV and an Ioniq 5 EV. The Ioniq 5 is excellent but the charging infrastructure is still unreliable and not too many stations in cottage country (Ontario). A 2024 Tucson *hybrid* will be my next vehicle and, it will have most of the same tech the Ioniq 5 has. Uncovered charging stations, no windshield washers/fluid, no garbage cans and poor reliability are reasons to wait to own any EV.

[@FloydFlannigan]

Thanks for the video. Very useful!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Way a go Zack! Talk like a dealer guys who smoke a big cigar. 😂 Drove 500 km to work and back home and drove 500km to ski! WOW that’s really a lot. Great show Andrea! ☕️☕️

[@myronyoshioka8742]

Your neighborhood must be a great area....always see people walking around. I love that.

[@davidrandall2742]

On mid Vancouver Island. I had VW mk2 tds and mk4 tdis, then a Prius, and a year ago bought a Bolt euv which I love. The '19 awd Prius was a fantastic car, but I realized I was disappointed every time the gas engine started, so went full ev, and am happy every time I get into it. To upgrade I'm waiting until solid-state batteries are finally ready for prime time (or whatever the next major battery improvement is for cold weather), and then I expect my Bolt to become rolling power storage for my impending solar system on the house. I don't see myself going back to fossil fuels.

[@dystopia-usa]

Plug-ins are only worth it IMO if you own a house/garage to charge it at overnight. Otherwise, too much of a charging station hassle/headache/expense. You should never need to (or want to) use a commercial charging station as an EV owner unless you are long-distance traveling.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I recall reading that, in California, after only 2 years of ownership, the vast majority of plug-in owners stopped plugging in.

[@rabidpooh007]

@@ScubaSteveCanadaThe earlier PHEVs really didn't have much range to them, but the newer ones have quite a bit more, so you can make it to work and back on charge over 1 or 2 days, also some companies have a place to charge, which maybe closer to the door :). I gas up about once every 3 months (I can only charge at work).

[@foxlake6750]

My neighbour has a PHEV, never plugs it in, can’t be bothered ??????

[@johnmartin7158]

@@foxlake6750So what was the purpose of buying that vehicle.

[@yakinikutabetai4780]

"life is too short to drive a crappy car"...imma take that to heart as i look for my first ever car lol

[@SenecaRaine]

Financial Counterpoint: A car is the biggest purchase you're going to make that's a depreciating asset. For instance, If you're just starting out, spending $50k on a car that loses half that value ($25k) in 3-5 years when you could spend that money on a house down payment or put it in a retirement fund and watch it become 400k by the time you retire (assuming an 8% rate of return over 36 years). Source: probably every financial person and the Corolla that let me buy and pay off my house.

[@Motormouth...]

There are plenty of nice cars that aren't expensive

[@horseathalt7308]

@@Motormouth... That's a relative thing today, if you look at typical incomes (in both the US and Canada) and the current prices of almost ALL brand new vehicles they are ALL way too expensive for most households. Get back to me when the prices come back to levels slightly higher than pre "cophonyvirus" times.

[@Motormouth...]

@@horseathalt7308 prices will never go down

[@horseathalt7308]

@@Motormouth... Of course you are correct but it's going to hurt the automotive industry in a huge way. Plus when Ford, GM and Chrysler all gave huge wage increases to the unions it will translate to even more pricing pressures on consumers, they will be selling a lot less cars in the future, and in my view only the top 25-30% of consumers in the USA and Canada will ever be able to afford a new car ten years from now. Interestingly other countries like Eastern Europe , Russia, ect have affordable brand new vehicles like the Lada Granta that start at around $7,800 USD today. That car is proven, reliable, modern, but is also simple too. One of the biggest problems we have in the west is the overreach of govt regulations that affect safety, and emissions (DoT EPA ect), ect....If you asked the general populous of Canada and the USA today most of us would gladly slash over 80% of all such regulations because most of them only create a small gain in benefit whether regarding emissions or safety. Government is out of control and most people agree.

[@lsft]

I would pick the NX450h+. I did some math before and even if you drive 200km a day, the cost of battery and gas is still cheaper to operate. 200-60=140/100*6.6 = 9.24L of gas for PHEV + $2 of electricity to charge vs 200/100*6 = 12L of gas for hybrid. There is still the cost of the vehicles, but they are different. From my experience with the NX450h+, when EV range is depleted, the battery is at 30%. When fully charging the battery it takes about 14kWh. So when it changes to HV mode there is about 4.1kWh left which is different to the NX350h which is about 1.7kWh. I think they left 30% to allow the 300hp performance.

[@lsft]

@realdeal8607 starts at 60k before taxes

[@michaelgarvin8621]

Love Zack's philosophy "Lift is to short to drive a crappy car" 👍👍😄

[@1232bluejays]

Life is too short to be constantly paying off car loans

[@johndodson3020]

Sometimes a crappy car is all someone can afford. Elitist

[@robertt9342]

The ONLY time a subscription service makes sense is if there is an ongoing cost to the manufacturer. heated seats are fully sunk.

[@sailsmith2xds911]

You continually talk about the cost difference between hybrids and PHEV’s in terms of dollar saving. Yes, that is a good point, but it’s not the only one. I look at it as saving fuel now for use in the future. Fossil fuels aren’t going to last forever, and the more we save now, the more we’ll have later. There are people in cold or very rural areas who will not be able to use an EV for potentially decades. How about we save some now for those people to use then?

[@midlifemom5829]

Southern California driver here. Tired of paying for premium gas. I turned in my leased Acura MDX. I loved it but not cost of gas. My teen son and I are now sharing his older Accord until i can check out the Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid this summer. I drive mainly city streets and it will also be used for family road trips. I agree with all the reasons you've promoted it (brand reliability, luxe styling, hybrid ). If I like it, I will order and wait . I am not interested in EV or PHEV.

[@mamarosa539]

The eyebrow raise after the corolla le/se debate was priceless,I was laughing so hard. Thanks for the entertainment and info.

[@stephenobrien2676]

Have 2 plug ins. Averaging about 60 mpg 3.3 L per 100 km on 2018 ioniq and 53 mpg 4L per 100 with Escape phev (winter, will be better in summer) The escape does more long distance trips. Charge at night with with either level 1 or 2. Pleased with both and hope they last 15 years. Previous prius was perfect until accident after 16 years.

[@billurban1581]

My Volvo PHEV since 11/1/22 (includes two winters in Pa.): 14134 miles, 139.6 gal., 101.2mpg. My last ICE, 29.7 mpg.

[@godofdun]

13:47 Go with the Lincoln Corsair PHEV, no premium fuel needed.

[@jeremynachbar3205]

Last June I picked up a Lexus NX350h for my wife. It’s fully loaded and a very nice vehicle. We use 87 octane in it. It does not require premium. I am planning on finding a Mazda CX 70 Turbo S. I want something that will be comfortable for 4, roadtripping, and I want the ability to tow.

[@Tonga2]

I’m with you Zack on connected services, no way would I pay for it after my free subscription is up !!

[@kristapatterson7591]

Most people have to consider reliability because the may not be able to afford constant maintenance. They can't just get the one they like. I am refering to the GTI because our mechanic suggested extended warranty which jacks the price up $4000.00. The turbo tends to go he said. For me I have decided to go with a more reliable vehicle.

[@GlennLaycock]

Paid Services - shoot I would have gotten a sunroof, heated (element) windshield and dual heat - except it came with that 3 years of subscription service and they could not price at the time how much it would cost me "eventually" (since Hyundai as apparently granted a lifetime subscription to original owners - let me know if I have that wrong). So I said, I do not want this car to be like an apple phone where I get addicted to things and then notice my credit card bill seems a lot higher each month. So one model down - I go I go.

[@alejandroarias1727]

17:24 brilliant! 😉

[@marcocharette2009]

You guys are awesome like always 🤩🤩🤩tks for the show

[@kellingtonlink956]

I think the word ‘Hybrid’ has become the ‘IT’ word as of late. Doing any basic maths (purchase price (vs. petrol equivalent), miles/kms driven, fuel cost (reg vs. premium), RESALE (trade in value) and years owned),… one would probably find out that at the end of the day… they are most likely NOT ahead… at least not financially. And… the environment will probably not notice the difference. But on the flip side, they can be quieter. Thanks for the video.

[@k.j.hulander2204]

Agreed. The main reason we got a certified used 2020 RX 450h here in Sweden is that it costs 10% of what our old BMW X3 cost in annual tax, due to being a hybrid and comparatively “green” back in 2019 when the yearly tax for that particular car’s lifetime was set. If you live in a place where you can remove direct punitive taxes from the equation, the basic maths you laid out is how to think about cost imo.

[@kellingtonlink956]

The RX 450h was an absolutely brilliant choice. Hybrids certainly have their place, but like any purchase.. you have to factor in all the real expenses (both going in and getting out). Hope for low costs/upsides and plan for high costs/downsides is a formula which (typically) won’t let you down. Cheers.

[@khuo0219]

Another explanation for your observations that people are only submitting questions about hybrids is that they are more compllex and the choices hard to compare. If you go full 🌝 EV there is Tesla and there is everyone else.

[@turquhart1]

One comment I would have regarding your statement that people don't come to you regarding questions about pure electric..... I love you guys and I watch everything, and I would not necessarily come to you with questions about electric cars because I am know how you feel about them. I currently have an pure electric (leased) and I did not buy it because it was the "smart" thing to do. It was the one I "wanted" ;).

[@CoolTies]

It's a mistake to pay a subscription when the subscription requires hardware you already purchased with the vehicle. Why would I rent seat heaters when the seats physically have the hardware. You're paying each month for someone to flip a virtual on/off switch.

[@donswier]

I imagine someone living in the Florida Keys would be happy to NOT pay extra for heated seats in their climate. I have heard it's easier & cheaper for ALL seats to be equipped the same way (much like crank vs power windows)

[@CoolTies]

@@donswierIf the manufacturer decides it’s more cost effective then that’s their decision and has no basis for who should and shouldn’t be charged. If you want the feature then you pay once. Anyone else has a car with disabled hardware.

[@mj8495]

@@donswierTrue, but they will then be forced to pay for ventilated seats 😂

[@nickthequick]

I have an idea for a subscription service: Air in the tires. You stop paying, you're stuck with four flat tires.

[@billurban1581]

And charge for each tire, by the pound (psi :^)

[@mj8495]

And it has to be nitrogen refill at the dealer 😂

[@icecastle57]

Love your show! I still like the idea of a plain gas model, like the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross!! Yes, I'm eye balling this Toyota big time for a possible June purchase!

[@randalljwarren151]

Toyota caved on the remote start. But still ask for a monthly subscription service for their media services. 😖 Long live Android auto!

[@axx8326]

As a person who loves cars I couldn't agree with you more on "drive a nice car". I have been loathing Toyotas simply on account of their looks and driving experience(lately they improved of course). I have a lead foot and my driving record has been "tainted" by a lot of speeding tickets.🤣 Driven mostly German cars, some modified etc however I am lately more and more attracted to the "appliances". maybe because well...family, age etc and my disappointment lately with german automakers. Reliability, as much as it's not something any manufacturer can guarantee 100%. Is a psychological factor that make ppl to feel somewhat safe (financially) or at least can give some illusion that the car will not break as easily.All cars have their issues and their quirks(yes even Toyota 🤣).Pick your poison. As far as the servicing goes there lies the issue.Sure can take it to the dealer but the time that takes to drive there, leave it there for x amount of time, some may need to take time off from work etc. All in all is a bit of a hassle.Some may not even have a 2nd car. Agree that a lot of ppl tend to hold on to this elusive "reliability" and take it way too seriously. It's an estimate after all not written in stone. Can do a bit of research and pick what you want and can afford. Some will always go to this friend of a friend who knows cars and will recommend them this 1998 Toyota Corolla that is extremely "reliable" and cheap but they will always drool at the next guy at the light driving a 1998 GTI.

[@catherinejacobs4801]

I look forward to your videos. Thanks.

[@KeliK1]

Thank you!

[@jimmydeneus7109]

Dodge charger can yall do a review on that electric car pls

[@SpyderRichard]

I want that pitchfork feature!! 😄

[@Jwpgr84]

The comment about which model do you want (corolla se vs le option example of only $2000 more).. I feel this. I had a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS (manual), Canada. Do I stick with the middle GT or up to the GTS and it's extras for a couple grand ( this case was higher output engine, 18s vs 16s wheels, etc). , and then do I add on the sun & sound package (which for like $2200 or something added a sunroof, leather seating, fast-key keyless system, and the 9-speaker sound system). Yep upgrade it!

[@clintonsmurf6496]

With more and more people living in condos, hybrids will likely be in high demand for a while. People might be lucky to park near an outlet but that’s rare. Strata’s are tending to reject EV charging installations as residents do not want to “subsidize” richer folks who can afford EV and PHEVs…at least for strata’s outside the downtown core. Maybe people will see it differently come 2035. The big shift would occur if batteries cost much less to bring vehicle costs down. I remember asking my buddy like 8 years ago with older Lexus hybrid how much is the battery and he said 6-8k cad. I asked him again recently and he said it’s still the same price.

[@billurban1581]

Good point about outlet access, but providing 110V outlets for PHEVs will be a piece of cake. EVs, different story. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: "Together, hardware and installation could cost as much as $20,000 per Level 2 port, and $90,000 per DCFC. Since Level 2 and DCFC charging stations consume large amounts of power, the grid (including transformers, substations, and eventually transmission lines) will need to be upgraded. This is particularly expensive for DCFC, which can draw the equivalent of a whole neighborhood’s electricity needs at once."

[@davejones538]

Picking up a Nissan qashqai E Power Monday

[@rtsukijima]

Re Corolla Hybrid: I ordered the SE AWD over the LE for the extra $. reasons: looks ( wheels body ) wl charger and sunroof. My Blueprint should arrive in about a month. it's what I wanted ( even if it's slightly less economical to drive)

[@ericyoungey]

Just get the Corolla SE It’s only $40-45 more a month. You’ll enjoy the car more and likely keep it longer, saving you more money in the long run. Also, as mentioned, it will have better resale value. Unless you really can’t afford it the SE is the way to go.

[@enzop.3227]

Have a 2011 escape hybrid and a Mach E, both fun to drive.

[@omarhakimi4099]

If I have to hybrid, it is my choice since my building has no chargers yet . I have to drive to the nearest charging area.

[@adrianlovett3483]

PHEV aren’t necessarily cheaper but if you do all your short trips running off charge it’s better for the environment and easies the guilt ….

[@catherinejacobs4801]

Question: Would you ever buy a used car from a different maker: i.e, a used Toyota from a Mazda dealership? Those types of cars can’t be certified right?

[@S_Paoli]

having owned/leased hybrids, full EV and plug-in-hybrid since 2001, I have no idea why I'm no even more in love with ICE vehicles. Am I just too old school to change my ways? :(

[@kmooney1954]

Great reviews and Q,C & C's content. Not too sure that I am as happy with your 'aloofness' in having the luxury of always having a car available. Love your personal side of things, but, as they say, too much cake can give you a bad stomach!

[@puma51921]

Only thing I'm plugging in is my phone charger.

[@skychaser59]

I have a 2018 Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV) and got 80 MPG on the 401 HIghway in EV/Hybrid modes. I start out in full EV mode 100% full then switch to hybrid mode on the highway when my battery gets down to 40 %. I can also access charge mode while driving and bring the battery back up to 80% if I so desire. Most of my driving is in the city in EV mode and I typically only spend 40 bucks a month on gas. I have a level 2 charger at home and it only takes 45 min to bring the battery up to 100% from say 40%. The car has 160000km with a combined EV/Hybrid 94 MPG overall average fuel economy. So I'm driving 25,000 km a annually and spend about 500 bucks total a year on gas. Buy a used Toyota Prius Prime and save $$$$.

[@David-t4d4s]

Corolla se has a hard ride because of the low profile tires

[@Segu88]

Lol I just bought a 24 Corolla hybrid nightshade and definitely paid cash for it. Don’t know why one would assume a corolla buyer would only finance

[@jimmathieson9549]

Plug in hybrid with 60km ev mode is better if your 100 km commute is on highways when a hybrid is not kicking in to help on highway. Also consider you could plug in at or near your business ,then the plug in is way batter .We have a hybrid ,drive 50/50 highway towing a light 700 lb teardrop camper and rest city driving.If I had to do it again,I would not buy the hybrid due to 50/50 use although we love it,hmmmm

[@cryptojlg630]

You should find hilarious interiors to do this segment in. Some of those all red GM interiors from the early 90’s, some loose cushion cars from the 70’s. 😂

[@kurtgrundel4045]

“Iwant a luxury car but I’m being cheap and looking for fuel economy. “ I am concerned about the people that write in these questions.

[@tipoomaster]

I have a 2016 Acura ILX with 75K KM. I bought it used two years ago. Since then I had a few hesitating starts, replaced the original battery it came with, things went fine for another year, and then had another no-start recently, had that battery replaced under Costco warranty, and then again had a no-start this week. The car opened the door for me and when I went to start it up it flashed on the lights for a second before cutting out everything. So 2 new and 3 total batteries in I started to think it was the alternator instead. I had someone come by and check the voltage. When starting the car, the alternator is only around 12.4 volts or so and stays there for 5-10 seconds before going up to 14. Is that normal? Is the alternator starting to die? Some people have said online that alternators on modern cars are more often all or nothing, working or dead, but in this case it doesn't seem like it. Should I replace the belt first to see if it's that?

[@drausiohermannpachecoleal1135]

I notice something weird. I was a subscriber but today when I check your channel was not subscribed. I have a 2023 Escape PHEV and love it. If you have a chance to drop a review of the 2023 up would be really appreciated. Ty

[@glennelliott708]

Driven 80,000 km in a 2012 Kia Forte since purchased new. Runs fine. Is there a benefit in trading in ?

[@GlennLaycock]

Cool car - if what I wanted came true my life story would be different - who knows if better or worse as humble sometimes is a protection - but what I could afford and actually needed usually very old or my new Neons (one after another). My Elantra, probably would have gotten tasteful and proud as usual - the puddy or grey non metallic - but like Casablanca - destiny has taken a hand - as I ended up in oh that is as black black on black as you can get - Zacks outfit with a black sweater and I could be super cool and in stealth mode. Last color I would ever get, but except for the chrome logos (why would they not be black) - wheels, interior, grill it is all black and when clean it should be like fly paper for dating (except probably the giveaway - McDonald's breath - and is "that the secret sauce I see spilled on your shirt!")

[@gregkramer5588]

I am thinking EV unlike the people that submitted questions. Here in DFW the PHEVs are as expensive as a full BEV. Sportage top tirm PHEV , ~$450 to $46k. The EV6 starts at $42k for the top trim and $46 for AWD.

[@billurban1581]

But a PHEV gives you choice. You're not married to electric when big goment says you've used up your allotment.

[@gregkramer5588]

@@billurban1581 Is this imagination? That sure is not on my list of worries.

[@ljink48]

Small quibble: it's Cavalry, not calvary

[@johnjeoffreym]

I love cavalry blue but maybe after few years it'll start looking sick

[@Richardak600]

Why does it take 16 to 24 months for a car. Not that long ago if the car you wanted was not on the lot you could order a car and get it in about three months. What the hell happened.

[@Motormouth...]

Covid and chip shortage, and a backlog of orders

[@whyallthefuss201]

@@Motormouth...still!?

[@charlesdudek7713]

​@@whyallthefuss201They discovered they can get away with higher prices with artificial shortages is my guess.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

@@whyallthefuss201 At the time it was legitimate but now ... manufacturers have had more than enough time to ramp up production back or exceed pre-Covid levels. as @charlesdudek7713 states, it's probably all a scam now. I now refuse to wait that long and look at other auto manufacturers.

[@Motormouth...]

@@whyallthefuss201 Pickup rucks are piling up now, good deals on those

[@reinhardspeckhardt]

Great review as usual! Zach seemed a little testy😅

[@chrislim7976]

Why is a guy asking whether he wants an SE or LE. The features are online. Is it free advertising for Toyota?

[@jonyqst]

Zach are you sporting the beautiful Omega Moonwatch.

[@Motormouth...]

Good eye

[@kevinn1158]

People who order more than 1 car drive me absolutely nuts. I know somebody who had 5 cars on order. Meanwhile there's other people being told the wait time is 2 or 3 yrs. Order the car you want and stop creating these huge fake wait lists!!!

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I own an EV as my daily driver and an RV for long, long trips as a snowbird. No EV would be suitable for where I go.

[@kevinn1158]

@@ScubaSteveCanada I was referring to the army of people who order multiple cars but only plan to buy 1.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@kevinn1158. What percentage of buyers do that.

[@sentryion3106]

@@kevinn1158 Honestly can you really blame them? The car log has been endless for the last 3 years, so people just order any cars they think they'll want and see which one come first.

[@kevinn1158]

@@sentryion3106 yes I can blame them. They created a fake demand and as a result everybody was throwing money at the dealers paying over MRSP and paying crazy dealer fees. People are still doing it even though demand has completely shifted.

[@edwardpenny4859]

What happened to the Sunday live show?

[@andreaspencer9813]

We just got too busy, no more time for the live show.

[@srikanthnarayanan]

For question #2, if the charged phev vehicle has an "auto" setting, would it not stay in electric mode at higher speeds, then switch to serial hybrid, and parallel hybrid at different speed points (ie 40km/r instead of 25km/r) than a regular hybrid would? That would make a difference between fuel consumption between a fully charged phev and and mostly depleted charge phev right? It really depends on the programming of the "auto" setting. Which vehicles have the best programming?

[@billurban1581]

As I reported nearby: Volvo PHEV‘s, and perhaps others, have an important feature . . . “Smart energy distribution.” This is for when a trip will exceed battery range. From the owner’s manual: “if a destination has been selected in maps, the vehicle will calculate the most energy efficient way to distribute the electrical current throughout the trip. The calculation takes into account factors such as speed limit, traffic, and altitude differences.” It will accommodate round trips as well. I've don this 100+ times. It's worth 10+ mpg on a 150 mile trip.

[@srikanthnarayanan]

that sounds like as it should be. Smart of Volvo to do that. With a charged battery, the phev vehicle's computer has more options to make it go electric. @@billurban1581

[@TiberiuAgoston-j3l]

Zack, Since you don’t have a usable garage, where do you keep all your cars parked?

[@Motormouth...]

It's an issue.

[@phonepup06]

So, is a PHEV only better than a traditional hybrid when you can spend most of your time driving in just pure EV mode? Does a plug in not have the same normal savings as a traditional hybrid if you’re driving the plug in just normally (not in EV mode)?

[@billurban1581]

After 24,000 miles in two PHEV’s I can attest it is. But the heavier battery in a PHEV detracts somewhat, maybe 10%, from the benefit.

[@FrankySilverFace]

Zach are you ok? I'm seeing a difference in you compared to a while back.

[@andreaspencer9813]

In what way?

[@christophercheek8464]

When my wife and I met, I had a 2002 Sedona Pearl Red WRX…that must’ve been it…🤣

[@emilcasas2707]

Nice peeps!

[@jeffer1101]

Ooo, I'm excited for the next episode. For the lulz, of course.

[@mohamedbouguessa678]

« Drive a crapy car » What about driving a great car on crappy roads (QC), in crappy weather (winter) and in the presence of crappy thieves?

[@judih.8754]

Life is too short to drive crappy cars (I agree) or wear boring shoes. Enjoy life, you only get one!