Is it possible to run the heating on electric while parked in a hybrid car ?
Is it possible in a full hybrid to run the heating on electric while parked? For example, waiting to pick the children up from school, or sitting somewhere scenic in winter having a picnic for half an hour.
Asked on 13 December 2024 by David Popkin
Answered by
David Ross
How the vehicle's heating operates when the car is turned on but stationary and when the ignition is on may vary between models and manufacturers, but as a full hybrid can be driven in electric mode there will be some capacity to operate the heating without the engine on.
However, if electrical energy is used to heat the cabin then this will drain the battery relatively quickly - if you leave the car in drive mode it may cycle the petrol engine on and off to keep the heat going. Even so, it is worth bearing in mind the Rule 123 of the Highway Code states 'You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution.'
However, if electrical energy is used to heat the cabin then this will drain the battery relatively quickly - if you leave the car in drive mode it may cycle the petrol engine on and off to keep the heat going. Even so, it is worth bearing in mind the Rule 123 of the Highway Code states 'You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution.'
Tags:
hybrid cars
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