Video: Summer Heat Hybrid MPG Loss Explained

[mamboman777]

Like many Maverick Hybrid owners, our truck has seen huge mpg drops from winter and spring to the extreme heat of summer. Ours went from a 47 mpg average to 35 mpg average. This video explains the mechanical and design reasons why it's happening and why not to panic that something is wrong.

Love the video. Thank you!

Isn't another contributing factor to worse mpg during summer the changes in the gasoline? Isn't the blend sightly different and less economical during summer?

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[Delbert]

I first noticed an mpg drop with our Honda Accord Hybrid. It drops the efficiency of the a/c in eco mode to the point that we never put it in eco. I charted it, did calculations and came to the conclusion that 15 percent of fuel was used to keep the passengers cool in the summer, here in Virginia.

I appreciate the a/c in the Maverick. It works great. Especially when I sit at job sites idling and watching work. The A/C is quiet, the engine only comes on when it needs more electricity. It is powerful, so when I get back in the vehicle after letting it bake in the sun it cools off quickly. With the f150 I drive sometimes, I have to leave it idling to have A/c. I'd hate to do the calculations for it's MPG, but it is a company truck so I don't.

My Subaru worked off the drive belt and the A/C only worked well when it was moving and everyone complained when it got into stop and go traffic.

So you know, I get 36 MPG and use the A/C most of the time.