Self charging hybrids. Why?
Discussion
Itchy feet and a second dog has got me looking for a new car. Currently in a very good diesel, but the extra space needed meant I thought I’d go with the times and look at a hybrid suv type thing. The Lexus NX300h was the obvious choice (I thought) as my commute is 12 miles each way.
I didn’t realise they can barely manage half a mile on electric only and all the reviews suggest you’re very lucky to manage 40mpg overall, even when driven gently. So what is the point of them. You don’t seem to gain any of the advantages of electric, but gain a whole load of weight.
A plug in is the obvious solution, but choice is very limited for the class of vehicle I’m looking at. All electric is out because I need to make motorway journeys every so often and I can’t be faffed with the range anxiety thing.
I didn’t realise they can barely manage half a mile on electric only and all the reviews suggest you’re very lucky to manage 40mpg overall, even when driven gently. So what is the point of them. You don’t seem to gain any of the advantages of electric, but gain a whole load of weight.
A plug in is the obvious solution, but choice is very limited for the class of vehicle I’m looking at. All electric is out because I need to make motorway journeys every so often and I can’t be faffed with the range anxiety thing.
dmsims said:
Ahh the diesel Nigel w
ker argument
nothing like comparing the average MPG of the Lexus vs a Motorway mpg for a completely different car
Why do all PH threads turn into this. I started this thread because I was disappointed to see that a Lexus NX hybrid couldn't do what I thought it could and offered average MPG. Someone then asked what diesel SUV can achieve high 40s and I answered. ker argumentnothing like comparing the average MPG of the Lexus vs a Motorway mpg for a completely different car
I'm comparing two similar sized SUVs. One of which I thought would offer extra range because it's a hybrid. They both offer the same MPG around town and on the m/way, so it's perfectly valid to compare them.
dmsims said:
Let's ignore the fact that the CR-V is lighter, less powerful and a lot slower
Running the CR-V is going to cost you about £50 more p.a.
I didn't realise I had to do a full 'Whst Car' comparison. They are both a similar size and are suitable for a family of four and two dogs. (And on checking, there's only a couple of bhp between them)Running the CR-V is going to cost you about £50 more p.a.
Now back to topic. I do think they market the cars heavily on their EV aspect. It was only when I started researching the Lexus I discovered it had no realistic capability to run on Ev power alone. I'm not quite sure why they include an EV button to keep it running on battery alone, because it appears you'll get as far as the end of the street.
One you start looking into the differences, EV vehicles aren't confusing, but I do wonder how many people buy without doing their research
With my p/x I’m looking at a budget of approx £30k. I got an offer through Carwow for a new nx300 sport for £32k (assuming without a px). Genuinely stumped at which way to jump. I really wanted to give EV a try and it’s a shame BMW never made the 330e in estate form. That would’ve been ideal (I really don’t like Mercedes)
My commute is early in the morning or late at night so I don’t get stuck in much traffic. It’s mainly country lanes with around four miles into town. 70% of the trip is national speed limit. I think I’ll probably just switch to petrol and save the EV switch for the car after that one
I decided to try one and had a Lexus NH300h for the weekend. Drove like a nun, but only managed 37mpg. It was very refined around town, but accelerating onto a motorway slip road caused the cvt gearbox to scream it’s head off, with not a lot of progress.
I quite liked it overall, but not quite sure it’s the car for me
I quite liked it overall, but not quite sure it’s the car for me
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