Do Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars Need a Warm-Up Period?

When it comes to electric cars and hybrid cars, the concept of a 'warm-up period' can be a bit confusing. This article explores whether these vehicles need to undergo a warm-up process and how it differs from traditional combustion-engine vehicles.

How Hybrid Cars Operate

Hybrid cars, based on systems like Toyota's, have a unique start-up process. Unlike traditional gasoline cars, you have limited control over whether to start the internal combustion engine (ICE) or not. The car's control software decides based on the ambient temperature and other conditions.

When the ambient temperature is low, the car may start the ICE for a brief period to warm up before shutting it down. If you select electric-only mode, the engine might not start at all if the conditions for EV mode aren't met, such as a low battery charge.

Controlled Warm-Up for Cold Days

In hybrid cars, especially those based on Toyota's system, the gas engine is required to run when it’s cold to generate heat. This is common for brands like Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, and Lexus (or a few others). Even on a very hot summer day, the gas engine won’t start unless the battery is low. In winter, the gas engine will idle until the cabin begins to heat up.

Driver Behavior and Start-Up Procedures

No matter the type of car, if conditions are less than frigid, start driving gently and gradually increase your speed after a few minutes. If you plan to drive locally, simply turn the car on and drive as usual. For extremely cold conditions, consider letting the engine idle quickly for a couple of minutes before starting.

In my experience with a Ford Fusion Energi, a quick blip on the accelerator starts the engine. If it's cold, the car will continue to run the engine until it reaches the optimal temperature before it will automatically shut off when not needed.

The Case of the Polestar F90 Stradale

For some high-performance electric cars, like the Polestar F90 Stradale, the process is entirely different. This car requires starting the gas engine, letting it warm up for five minutes, and only then switching to electric mode. Although electric cars are typically designed to start and run smoothly in any weather, such a requirement can be frustrating for drivers.

However, most modern hybrid and electric cars don't follow this strict warm-up protocol. The software in these cars is designed to seamlessly integrate the combustion engine with the electric motor, ensuring a smooth and efficient start-up experience.

Conclusion

In summary, while some hybrid cars do require a brief warm-up period, especially in cold conditions, modern technology has significantly reduced the need for this process. For electric cars, particularly, the concept of a warm-up period is largely unnecessary, making for a more convenient and efficient driving experience.