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Environment & Energy

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iemanja

(54,854 posts)
Sun Oct 6, 2024, 11:28 PM Oct 6

Electric/hybrid cars for low mileage drivers [View all]

I had just decided to get a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but I read today that hybrids aren't good for low mileage drivers because the batteries don't like to sit. The same would be true for EVs (I think?). Does anyone have any experience with this? Do those of you with EVs or hybrids all put in substantial miles?

The one good thing is that the Toyota comes with a 10 year battery warranty. This car has the same engine as a Prius.

ETA: I read that it's not the same for EVs, I'm guessing because the owner keeps the battery charged by plugging it in.
I'm still wondering about the hybrid since that is the car I want to get.

I need a car with AWD and good clearance for the snow (like 8 inches), but I don't want a big SUV. The Corolla Cross Hybrid seemed like the perfect solution, until I read that they aren't good for low mileage drivers. The EVs, in addition to worrying about having the right electrical input to charge them, start out of my price range. A standard (EV) compact wont do for my purposes because of winter conditions in MN. If I don't get a hybrid, I'd probably end up with a regular internal combustion car (a bad confession in this group, I realize). Anyway, I'm looking for advice.

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We have a Prius and a Leaf Lulu KC Oct 6 #1
That's good to know. iemanja Oct 7 #4
Something to consider is that one hybrid uses a fraction of the materials RockRaven Oct 7 #2
Thanks! Good info. iemanja Oct 7 #6
Recently bought a used 2022 Rav 4 Hybrid. 1WorldHope Oct 7 #3
How long have you had it? iemanja Oct 7 #5
Only a few weeks. We did drive it on the interstate for a day trip 3 hours each way and it was a joy to drive. 1WorldHope Oct 7 #10
We have a 2013 Prius and love it PuppyBismark Oct 7 #7
20/80 Rule Caribbeans Oct 7 #8
Great info! iemanja Oct 7 #9
we have an electric hybrid WhiteTara Oct 7 #11
From a purely environmental perspective, ethical considerations about batteries aside, where you live matters. NNadir Oct 7 #12
It sounds like you don't put in a lot of miles iemanja Oct 7 #13
My round trip to the lab is just about 50 miles; I typically go 3-4 days/week. I also drive on business trips to... NNadir Oct 7 #14
That's a lot then iemanja Oct 7 #15
Not using your car is the best choice environmentally NNadir Oct 7 #16
A couple of points Finishline42 Oct 8 #17
Maybe you can write to the authors of the paper to tell them that Elon Musk's marketing department... NNadir Oct 8 #18
Their study reminds me of this nonsense from 2008... Finishline42 Oct 8 #19
I have cited a scientific paper in a well respected and widely read scientific journal, not tripe from some... NNadir Oct 8 #20
Finally had some time to browse your referenced scientific article... Finishline42 Oct 11 #21
I'm not generally amused when people tell me that their personal experience defines the whole world. The paper,... NNadir Oct 11 #22
Doesn't matter where the electricity is being made Finishline42 Oct 12 #23
Once again, I cited a scientific source from a well respected SCIENTIST. NNadir Oct 12 #24
Brilliant timing... Finishline42 Oct 13 #25
I have a Lexus hybris, so essentially a toyota. Scrivener7 Oct 13 #26
We had a plug-in hybrid and traded it in for an all electric. Love the all electric so much more. Native Oct 13 #27
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