So here's a hypothetical, if you have a hybrid and run out of gas what happens?

[evlfred]

does it just stop like a normal ICE truck or do you have a little range?

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[MT-Taco]

Depends on the hybrid battery charge? Best case scenario a block or 2? But If the computer decides it wants the engine to start and it doesn’t codes will be thrown and your done.

 

[trailhunger]

Expect it to stop dead. The hybrid cell requires constant energizing. And if you don’t drive your hybrid for extended periods you run the risk of the NiMH going dead and that will require a tow to the dealership apparently (stated in the manual). But you have about 90 days of life in the hybrid cell w/o it being driven to recharge it.

 

[Dataman]

I am SO glad I got a gas only!

 

[WKTJR1]

If a hybrid vehicle runs out of fuel, the outcome depends on the design of the hybrid system. In most hybrids, particularly those with parallel or mild hybrid systems (e.g., Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive), the battery alone cannot sustain the vehicle for significant mileage once the fuel is depleted. The system is designed to operate with both the engine and the electric motor in coordination.

• Parallel Hybrid Systems (like Toyota and Ford): These rely on the gasoline engine for primary propulsion, and the battery assists during low-speed driving, acceleration, and regenerative braking. If the gasoline engine runs out of fuel, the vehicle will likely shut down, even if there's some battery charge left. The electric motor in these systems is not intended to power the vehicle independently for long distances.
• Plug-In Hybrid Systems (PHEVs): These vehicles can operate solely on battery power for extended distances (e.g., 20–50 miles) when fully charged. If you run out of fuel, a PHEV may continue to operate in electric-only mode as long as the battery has sufficient charge. However, once the battery is depleted, the vehicle will shut down.

 

[tacorancher]

I am SO glad I got a gas only!

Why?

 

[Dataman]

Why?

I actually happen to like the concept of electric / hybrid vehicles... Its just that the technology (IMHO) is not quite "there" yet. Its still too new and too many "gotchas" that occur in order for it to be comfortable for me. I will let others deal with all the issues that occur with electric & hybrid systems until I'm convinced its much more stable and reliable.

 

[SonoranSurvivalist]

I actually happen to like the concept of electric / hybrid vehicles... Its just that the technology (IMHO) is not quite "there" yet. Its still too new and too many "gotchas" that occur in order for it to be comfortable for me. I will let others deal with all the issues that occur with electric & hybrid systems until I'm convinced its much more stable and reliable.

Toyota has been making hybrids for over 2 decades now... what do you mean it's still too new? The only new thing about this platform is it's not an eCVT.

 

[tacoboutit]

I actually happen to like the concept of electric / hybrid vehicles... Its just that the technology (IMHO) is not quite "there" yet. Its still too new and too many "gotchas" that occur in order for it to be comfortable for me. I will let others deal with all the issues that occur with electric & hybrid systems until I'm convinced its much more stable and reliable.

Granted, my TH is still too new to judge reliability (and will be for a long time) but i love the extra kick this thing has on the low end. I was skeptical at first but now, gas only would feel like settling. But that is why options exist. Different people want different things. Everything in my vehicle is covered for 7 years, powertrain included so any issues will be resolved without me having to pay anything. No issues yet though.

 

[TacoFreak]

The running out of fuel case is covered in the manual, but basically you don't want to do it. That will be tow truck time and you can't count on much range with just the battery. So @trailhunger is right, it won't go for long and was not designed to.

Like @SonoranSurvivalist I don't get the too new part. The first hybrid I drove was a rental Prius in the early 2000's. Toyota has hybrid tech nailed and it has proven amazingly reliable. I expected this hybrid setup to basically just be more powerful, but it is much more sophisticated than I expected.

Mine won't drive for very long on just the battery, although it does it often when I let off the gas, even at speeds of 50+ mph. It starts and stops so smoothly that I can only really tell because of the fake engine noise. Just like every Toyota hybrid I have driven it amazes me with how well it works in real world driving.

But like @tacoboutit what I love about it is the power. It feels strong like none of my V6 Tacos ever did. It isn't a full hybrid by design, but a strong powertrain that still gets decent fuel mileage. Plus its acceleration feels more effortless than the 5.7L engine in my Tundra ever did, while getting double the gas mileage. The only minus in that comparison is it never makes the glorious sounds that the 5.7L with dual exhaust did so well.

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