Let’s talk about the state of hybrids and EVs. Are hybrids the smarter choice for now while EV production ramps up? What about reliability issues with some newer engines? Share your thoughts!
The 1.6T engine in sport mode is surprisingly powerful.
Shiloh said:
The 1.6T engine in sport mode is surprisingly powerful.
Yeah, especially considering the size of the engine.
Shiloh said:
The 1.6T engine in sport mode is surprisingly powerful.
Totally agree. I tested mine on US-129 between Tennessee and North Carolina, also known as the ‘Tail of the Dragon.’ Sport mode made it so much more fun to handle those sharp curves. It’s not a sports car, but it’s got more kick than you’d expect.
Hybrids are the way to go for now. EVs aren’t quite there yet in terms of production and infrastructure. Ford shifting focus back to hybrids makes sense to me.
Hadley said:
Hybrids are the way to go for now. EVs aren’t quite there yet in terms of production and infrastructure. Ford shifting focus back to hybrids makes sense to me.
A lot of manufacturers are doing the same—focusing on HEVs and PHEVs instead of going all-in on EVs. The sweet spot is probably affordable PHEVs with around 60 miles of electric range. That covers most daily commutes, and you’ve got the hybrid setup for long trips. Best of both worlds.
@Yan
EVs are still in that tough middle stage of adoption. It’s expected, but it’ll take time.
Lux said:
@Yan
EVs are still in that tough middle stage of adoption. It’s expected, but it’ll take time.
Yeah, and without the big advancements everyone was expecting, it’s going to be a while before EVs dominate.
@Yan
We keep making these huge PHEV SUVs with giant batteries. It feels like overkill.
Ash said:
@Yan
We keep making these huge PHEV SUVs with giant batteries. It feels like overkill.
Actually, bigger vehicles benefit the most from hybrid systems. A hybrid truck improving from 20 to 25 mpg saves more gas annually than a car going from 40 to 50 mpg. The batteries in HEVs are small—about 1.5 kWh even for full-size trucks. It’s not as excessive as it seems.
@Yan
That’s a good point. Thanks for breaking it down—it makes more sense to me now!
Hadley said:
Hybrids are the way to go for now. EVs aren’t quite there yet in terms of production and infrastructure. Ford shifting focus back to hybrids makes sense to me.
So now Ford is being smart? They should’ve been making hybrids ages ago. The car companies seem so out of touch.
@Keaton
It’s not just the manufacturers—it’s what the customers wanted. People vote with their wallets, and the market adjusts to that.
Hadley said:
Hybrids are the way to go for now. EVs aren’t quite there yet in terms of production and infrastructure. Ford shifting focus back to hybrids makes sense to me.
A single EV uses enough battery materials to support several HEVs or a handful of PHEVs. EVs aren’t as sustainable as hybrids in that sense.
@Shiloh
Markets usually find a balance in free economies.
I’m still waiting for my rear bumper replacement. Parts seem to take forever.
Hyundai is making great cars, but they really need to fix issues with their electrical systems and engines. I love the brand, but some of the newer models are having too many problems.
Marley said:
Hyundai is making great cars, but they really need to fix issues with their electrical systems and engines. I love the brand, but some of the newer models are having too many problems.
Hopefully, reliability improves soon.
Does anyone know what’s changing with US auto policies?
Ren said:
Does anyone know what’s changing with US auto policies?
A lot of talk about tariffs and incentives. It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out.