Quote:
Originally Posted by glennQNYC
I've been considering a used hybrid (not phev) Accord as a beater just to drive in the HOV lanes.
I have essentially zero ability to charge at home. How long can you use a 330e without charging it? Can I drive it indefinitely without ever plugging it in? Just curious as I don't care about fuel economy or tailpipe emissions. I only want HOV access.
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You don't need to ever charge it, and it's a "super hybrid" if you don't. I took my 330e on a 2000 mi R/T to Perf driving school, pretty much all the way on Interstates. Averaged 80.1 MPH (great stealth car in White) and got 45MPG; starting with a full charge that got me out of Houston, but never charged again over whole trip. Until the Charge America network is up, I consider the PHEV to be the superior choice. In comparing it to a full-electric vehicle, the ICE drivetrain weighs less than the extra battery of a 240 mi full-EV would. In comparing it to the pure ICE equivalent, the extra battery weight is more than offset by the higher fuel economy; and if you are able to charge at home/work a lot (all, in my case) local travel can be in electric. An added benefit: Short ICE runs where the car never warms up never happen, so my ICE and exhaust system "should" last a lot longer, if you are a "keeper".