When Is the Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid a Good Choice for an EV SUV Experience?

Is the Toyota Rav-4 hybrid a good choice to taste the feel of an EV SUV? The short answer is: not really. The fundamental differences between hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are significant, and the Toyota Rav-4 hybrid doesn't fully capture the driving experience of an EV. Here's why.

Why the Rav-4's Hybrid Experience Isn't a True EV Simulation

When driving a hybrid like the Toyota Rav-4, the difference in response when you hit the accelerator is striking. Striking differences in noise and vibrations from the motor also come through. EVs, on the other hand, feel much more refined and smooth.

Understanding the Hybrid Mechanism

Many people have misconceptions about how hybrids work. Not all hybrids run with gas and electric motors working alternately. While hybrids do use both, the primary goal isn't to alternate between modes. The focus is on optimizing the internal combustion engine (ICE) to operate at its most efficient power level, typically around 30 to 40 horsepower. The ICE runs at a consistent speed (around 2000 RPM), providing a more stable and efficient driving experience.

Types of Hybrids and How They Drive

Hybrids can be categorized into two main types: parallel hybrid and serial hybrid.

Parallel Hybrid: How the Hyundai Ioniq Works

A parallel hybrid, like the Hyundai Ioniq, uses an electric motor-generator connected to the same driveshaft as the ICE. The electric motor adds power when needed, and the ICE recharges the battery when the car slows down. This setup allows the ICE to run at its optimal power level, but the driving experience is more similar to driving a conventional gas car.

Serial Hybrid: The Case of the Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V, which will be released in March 2020, is a serial hybrid. In this configuration, the ICE runs at a constant 2000 RPM, generating a fixed amount of electricity to power the electric motor which drives the wheels. If the car needs less than 34 horsepower, the excess power charges the battery. If it needs more, the battery supplies the additional power. The ICE only runs faster if more power is required, and it can go up to 212 horsepower.

When the battery has enough charge, the CR-V can operate in EV mode, except for a few differences:

It makes noise like a gas car when not in EV mode. The regenerative braking is less effective because the battery is smaller. At highway speeds, it turns into a parallel hybrid with only one gear, which keeps it within the optimal RPM range of 2000 RPM (54 mph).

The Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid's Unique Contribution

The Rav-4 hybrid combines both modes in a planetary gearset, creating a complex and versatile driving experience. It often prioritizes the ICE as the primary source of propulsion, offering a blend of aspects from both hybrid types.

While the Rav-4 hybrid provides a closer EV experience compared to some other hybrids, it doesn't fully capture the essence of an EV. The serial hybrid in the CR-V may offer a more authentic EV feel because it operates more like an electric car except for a few technical nuances.

Conclusion

If you're looking to taste the feel of an EV SUV, the Honda CR-V's serial hybrid is likely a better choice. Regardless, the Toyota Rav-4 hybrid offers a more nuanced driving experience, combining elements of both parallel and serial hybrid technologies.