EV vs Gas Usage

[fordfan82]

 

So Here's my Experience with our 2014 C-max Hybrid so far, We LOVE IT! I drove it a few times already when my wife was sleeping to run errands and while I did go on the highway I noticed when I put it into Eco-Cruse it was in EV mode and the battery had a down arrow on it. Then I noticed when I had to speed up to accelerate the arrow was point up above the battery.  So when I got to the City driving the only way I can keep it in EV mode is if I give it the gas then let off the gas. As soon as I keep it steady without Eco-Cruise on then EV mode will go off.  So with that being said my questions are:

 

What happens if the battery depletes all the way? will it kick to gas mode only until energy is built back up?

 

I noticed when I brake at intersections or getting off the Expressway it will regenerate energy. Sometimes it says 100% energy restored even though the battery level isn't full? What does that mean? Other times I get 88% energy restored.

 

What are the best ways to keep it in EV mode? Is keeping it in EV mode a good thing or bad thing?

 

Does the C-max not enter EV mode if the car is above 65 MPH or did Ford Fix that in a software update recently?

 

Any driving tips to maximize fuel Economy in the City and Highway?

 

 

The reason why I ask all these questions is my dealer only had 7 C-max's in stock at the time we got ours and Our Salesman didn't know too much about Hybrid's but was very interested in learning more about them. I understand why he didn't know because he has to learn about 18 other Ford Models and their different configurations. He did give me a huge package of info to read for the C-max which we will get to but now that I found this forum a few months ago it's been very helpful with everyone giving tips to get the most out of the C-max.

 

 

[plus 3 golfer]

 

So Here's my Experience with our 2014 C-max Hybrid so far, We LOVE IT! I drove it a few times already when my wife was sleeping to run errands and while I did go on the highway I noticed when I put it into Eco-Cruse it was in EV mode and the battery had a down arrow on it. Then I noticed when I had to speed up to accelerate the arrow was point up above the battery.  So when I got to the City driving the only way I can keep it in EV mode is if I give it the gas then let off the gas. As soon as I keep it steady without Eco-Cruise on then EV mode will go off.  So with that being said my questions are:

 

What happens if the battery depletes all the way? will it kick to gas mode only until energy is built back up? The battery never depletes all the way.  The battery symbol is only measuring battery level (state of charge (SOC) between about 30% and 70% of the hybrid high voltage battery (HBV).  IF you watch the EMPOWER screen on the left hand display.  A outlined blue box may appear which indicates the upper threshold where one can run in EV.  If the solid white box indicating power requirements drops below the threshold, the white box turns blue and EV kicks in.   The higher the state of charge in general the higher the threshold.  If you see no threshold outlined blue  box, the PCM algorithm won't allow EV  which may be because the battery level is too low or engine is not sufficiently warmed up and so forth.

 

I noticed when I brake at intersections or getting off the Expressway it will regenerate energy. Sometimes it says 100% energy restored even though the battery level isn't full? What does that mean? Other times I get 88% energy restored.   The brake score is supposed to indicate how much of the available energy was captured via regeneration (taking the kinetic energy of motion and turning it to electricity) by applying the brakes when coming to a complete stop.  If you applied the brakes such that the friction brakes (brake pads) were not used in coming to a stop, you should get a 100% score.  So, an 88% score would mean that about 12 % of the available energy was consumed by your brake pads.

 

What are the best ways to keep it in EV mode? Is keeping it in EV mode a good thing or bad thing?  Watch the EMPOWER screen and read the tips and tricks section of the Forum.  Remember all energy comes from burning fuel.  EV is not free energy.  IMO, there are times for EV and not times for EV based on conditions (again read the tips section).   The PCM should be operating the Hybrid power train to optimize efficiency within constraints.   But the PCM can't see conditions ahead.  So there may be times that one doesn't want to use EV.  

 

Does the C-max not enter EV mode if the car is above 65 MPH or did Ford Fix that in a software update recently?  In the summer of 2013 Ford upgraded the PCM software to allow full EV operation above 62 mph to about 85 mph.  So, again watch the Empower screen and you should see that at higher speeds it is more difficult to get into EV mode because the load requirements are generally higher.  If the SOC is high enough such that the threshold is high and one backs off the accelerator slightly or goes down a slight grade reducing load, EV will generally kick in.

 

Any driving tips to maximize fuel Economy in the City and Highway? Been discussed many times (see tips and tricks).  People will have different thoughts and what works for them may not work for someone else because of conditions.   You will improve FE by reducing speed, coasting to slow down, and accelerating moderately.   By anticipating conditions such as hills, lights and so forth one can improve FE in any car and even more in a hybrid.  There's a Coach Screen the shows three bars:  Braking,  Cruising, and Acceleration.   Keep the bars as far right as possible for your desired speed and FE will improve.  There is no magic.  It about physics.  Generally, improving FE requires increasing travel time.  The more time on your hands, the higher FE you can achieve.

 

 

The reason why I ask all these questions is my dealer only had 7 C-max's in stock at the time we got ours and Our Salesman didn't know too much about Hybrid's but was very interested in learning more about them. I understand why he didn't know because he has to learn about 18 other Ford Models and their different configurations. He did give me a huge package of info to read for the C-max which we will get to but now that I found this forum a few months ago it's been very helpful with everyone giving tips to get the most out of the C-max.

 

 

Most of the questions have been discussed before in many threads.  See red above for short answers. 

Edited July 27, 2014 by Plus 3 Golfer

[drdiesel1]

I run 55 PSI in my tires and use 0W20 full synthetic oil ;) 

[ptjones]

I run 55 PSI in my tires and use 0W20 full synthetic oil ;)

Michelin max psi is 51 cold, what's the logic for 55psi? :)

 

Paul

[jdbob]

Michelin max psi is 51 cold, what's the logic for 55psi? :)

 

Paul

 

Don't get him started  :drool:

[drdiesel1]

Michelin max psi is 51 cold, what's the logic for 55psi? :)

 

Paul

Personal preference ;) Maximizes tire life, tire wear and tire grip for better handling.

Tire runs cooler and reduces rolling resistance to help maximize MPG.

Edited July 28, 2014 by drdiesel1

[ScubaDadMiami]

So far, my 0W20 oil switch doesn't seem to have netted any benefits.

[drdiesel1]

So far, my 0W20 oil switch doesn't seem to have netted any benefits.

It's only a fraction of the hole pie. Everything adds into better mpg's.

 

5W20 isn't much of a difference from 0w20 after warm, if at all. It will have a small impact on a cold engine.

 

Synthetic oil, higher tire pressures, and driving habits add up. Maybe not as much as you expect,

but it will in the long run. You need to look past the short term with these minor tweaks.

Edited July 28, 2014 by drdiesel1

[ptjones]

Personal preference ;) Maximizes tire life, tire wear and tire grip for better handling.

Tire runs cooler and reduces rolling resistance to help maximize MPG.

I got 65K miles at 49-50psi and could have gone to 70K miles, but I was planning to do long road trip and worried about bad weather. :)

 

Paul

[fotomoto]

I got 65K miles at 49-50psi and could have gone to 70K miles, but I was planning to do long road trip and worried about bad weather. :)

 

When you switched out, did you notice a reduction in tire noise?

[C-MaxSea]

I run 55 PSI in my tires and use 0W20 full synthetic oil ;)

 

DrD, Just to clarify, is that 55 PSI 'cold' or 'hot', since 51 'cold' would be around 55 (guessing) 'hot'?

 

I have run several (eek many) sets of tires at max rec pressure if for no other reason then that I would neglect them and they always drift lower.  In most cases these were on 'loaded' work/play type vehicles, but also on lesser load passenger vehicles as well.  In most cases these were 50, 60 k mile Michelin. Always been pleased with max or near max pressure.  Not sure why I am 'babying' our C-Max tires at 45, other than for a little more supple ride.

 

Nick

Edited July 28, 2014 by C-MaxSea

[Jus-A-CMax]

DrD, Just to clarify, is that 55 PSI 'cold' or 'hot', since 51 'cold' would be around 55 (guessing) 'hot'?

 

I have run several (eek many) sets of tires at max rec pressure if for no other reason then that I would neglect them and they always drift lower.  In most cases these were on 'loaded' work/play type vehicles, but also on lesser load passenger vehicles as well.  In most cases these were 50, 60 k mile Michelin. Always been pleased with max or near max pressure.  Not sure why I am 'babying' our C-Max tires at 45, other than for a little more supple ride.

 

Nick

 

:noobie:  suppies are for whimps... ;)  on that note, time to... :flyaway:

[drdiesel1]

DrD, Just to clarify, is that 55 PSI 'cold' or 'hot', since 51 'cold' would be around 55 (guessing) 'hot'?

 

I have run several (eek many) sets of tires at max rec pressure if for no other reason then that I would neglect them and they always drift lower.  In most cases these were on 'loaded' work/play type vehicles, but also on lesser load passenger vehicles as well.  In most cases these were 50, 60 k mile Michelin. Always been pleased with max or near max pressure.  Not sure why I am 'babying' our C-Max tires at 45, other than for a little more supple ride.

 

Nick

55 Cold. We have a hypermiler that runs 60 plus, but I like 55.

[ptjones]

When you switched out, did you notice a reduction in tire noise?

Maybe a little bit, but as it turned out I had a bad rear wheel bearing that had been bad for a long time that was making the noise. When replaced the car got quieter, YE! :)

 

Paul