No, because your simpler, lighter car still runs its engine at all times.
The biggest fuel savings of a hybrid car is that the gas engine is switched off at stop lights, in slow traffic, when coasting, etc. In effect, the hybrid doesn't waste fuel idling its gas engine (usually). The gas engine turns on when your foot is in the throttle, and turns off when you lift.
Regenerating electricity during braking is nice too, but that is secondary.
Quote:
Originally Posted by legion
I don't believe that expensive, complicated technology with a limited lifespan is the answer.
Simply making cars lighter would provide all of the benefits with increased reliability and less cost.
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Agreed that a smaller, lighter Prius with lots of carbon fibre and aluminium, running a diesel/electric hybrid would get better mileage than the current one. And that a plug-in Prius will get better mileage yet. Hopefully, these are coming someday.