My Hybrid turned into an Energi

[ptjones]

My Hybrid turned into an Energi for a mile and a half, I haven't noticed this before in 140k miles.  On Lighthouse quest last weekend stopping in Pompano Beach, FL, my HVB SOC was 67%, surprisingly high and when I got back to MADMAX the HVB SOC had gone up to 76% from cooling down for an hour. When I started out (WT was above 128*F) for our next Lighthouse in Jupiter the speed limit was 35 mph, then 45 mph, always the ICE starts at 35MPH for the initial start up to lubricate the trans.  SOC was 62% at 35mph, I had 2.3 Bars and no ICE, accelerated to 45mph still no ICE after about 1.5 miles (about 50% SOC) I had to accelerate onto the HWY and the ICE finally started.  I believe I could have gone 2.5 miles on EV if I stayed on 45 mph city roads. :) Still learning new things. :shift:

 

Paul

 

 

[jestevens]

I've noticed that in certain cases with a good charge built up (like a long hill decent over a few miles), engine warmed up and/or when the weather is very favorable my EV range is extended.  I can't say I know all of the variables that make the car inclined to operate this way because I don't have a scangauge or anything but occasionally happens.  Unfortunately for me it is all too quick to deplete as usually on moderate volume state route where other traffic expects 45-50MPH.

[Kelleytoons]

Funny you mention this, Paul.

 

Today, for the first time, I drove 3.4 miles on a return trip and when I got back home I had averaged 101.5mpg.  That's the highest I've ever had on a return trip back home when I've already used up my battery going out.  And highest by a WIDE margin on any trip longer than 2 miles.

 

It was VERY odd but I just chalked it up to not using A/C for the first time this year (finally cooled off enough in Florida).   Weird, though.

[ptjones]

Funny you mention this, Paul.

 

Today, for the first time, I drove 3.4 miles on a return trip and when I got back home I had averaged 101.5mpg.  That's the highest I've ever had on a return trip back home when I've already used up my battery going out.  And highest by a WIDE margin on any trip longer than 2 miles.

 

It was VERY odd but I just chalked it up to not using A/C for the first time this year (finally cooled off enough in Florida).   Weird, though.

It is amazing what you can do if everything works in your favor. :)  The puzzling event with my original Post was the ICE didn't start when getting to  35mph on first start up, it is suppose to.  :headscratch:  The MADMAX was acting like an Energi which has electric trans fluid pump. :shrug: Hybrid's Trans pump only works when the ICE is running, that is why the ICE runs on initial start up at 35 mph to lube trans.  :)

 

Paul

Edited November 17, 2016 by ptjones

[jestevens]

I am betting the car was already warmed up, you had a good SoC and no cabin heat? 

 

If the engine/catalytic converter is already warmed up from a previous trip mine doesn't always automatically start the ICE at first.. 

[fbov]

The closest I've seen is the cold start procedure, where the car stays in EV, down to very low SOC, while the ICE runs for several seconds.

 

I start out uphill at low SOC, which would bring the ICE in early regardless. In some cases, I start out downhill, or with high SOC, and can get out on the highway when ICE first starts. EV power available is comparable to EV+, regardless SOC, and it's easy to get to 45 MPH. But the ICE is running... it's just not powering the wheels. 

 

Have fun,

Frank

 

PS all I need is to hit the lights and I can top 100 MPG in a 5 mile run home from BJ's. Usually 30 MPG or less driving to...

[ptjones]

I am betting the car was already warmed up, you had a good SoC and no cabin heat? This is true.

 

If the engine/catalytic converter is already warmed up from a previous trip mine doesn't always automatically start the ICE at first..  I watch my HVB SOC and WT on my SanGaugeII to improve my MPG's.  To clarify what I'm talking about is starting CMAX in EV and accelerate to 35mph in EV at which point the ICE should start to lube the Trans.  Just a guess, but I doubt if very many CMAX Owners have ever done this.  First it requires HVB SOC to be up to 50% at least and it can be a slow process if HVB is warm. :sad:   If HVB is cold the acceleration is pretty good. :)

 

 

Paul

[SnowStorm]

Paul,  Are you sure MADMAX was actually turned off during that stop?  (We left The Enterprise on once, sitting in the garage.  I kept hearing this humming sound every so often for 30 seconds or so - finally found it was the car keeping the battery charged!)  I have hit that 35+ mph point numerous times in EV,  and there goes the ICE, starting up whether I wanted it to or not.  I'll have to try some short stop scenarios and see if I can ever get to 40+ in EV.  Or maybe its just a software bug - or that crazy battery recalibration/maintenance thing.

[ptjones]

Paul,  Are you sure MADMAX was actually turned off during that stop?  (We left The Enterprise on once, sitting in the garage.  I kept hearing this humming sound every so often for 30 seconds or so - finally found it was the car keeping the battery charged!)  I have hit that 35+ mph point numerous times in EV,  and there goes the ICE, starting up whether I wanted it to or not.  I'll have to try some short stop scenarios and see if I can ever get to 40+ in EV.  Or maybe its just a software bug - or that crazy battery recalibration/maintenance thing.

Yes, when I stop I check to see what MPG's I got on my trip, don't see it if the car is on.  Also when I start up it takes a few seconds for the ScangaugeII to start up, It first shows values when it was shut off and then new values.  In this case the SOC was 67% and then the new value was 76%, HVB SOC increases as the HVB cools off.

 

For those Members that haven't done this before you can find out how powerful the electric motors are by charging up the HVB on the way home instead of EVing it using ICE and Regen Braking.  In the morning when you start up the HVB Charge indicator should be close to  the top in Empower Display. The available power blue bar should be around two bars so when you start out don't go above it with the demand bar.  You should have pretty brisk acceleration to 35mph at which point the ICE will start.  If you keep it below 35mph you should be able to go two miles before ICE will start. :)

 

Paul

[joshg678]

I just got my C-Max and did my first run to the dump for our recycling. My return trip net 5 Miles of EV out of the 7 total. I had a similar feeling of "wow that's a lot" To be fair there is a steep .5 mile decent.

I've haven't noticed the 35 MPH Kickin because I usually kick the throttle right before I reach the end of my driveway to turn the ICE on as I like to make sure it doesn't make any funny noises before I stress it. Habit I developed when I first started driving and had only 150k-200k mile cars that drank oil.

[ptjones]

I just got my C-Max and did my first run to the dump for our recycling. My return trip net 5 Miles of EV out of the 7 total. I had a similar feeling of "wow that's a lot" To be fair there is a steep .5 mile decent.

I've haven't noticed the 35 MPH Kickin because I usually kick the throttle right before I reach the end of my driveway to turn the ICE on as I like to make sure it doesn't make any funny noises before I stress it. Habit I developed when I first started driving and had only 150k-200k mile cars that drank oil.

Force yourself for once if you have a good SOC to stay in EV until you get to 35mph and watch the ICE turn on. :)

 

Paul

[joshg678]

I can't remember what my SOC was today when I got home but I'll remember to turn off climate control when I turn it on tomorrow and see how far I can get. I have a gentle down slope when I first pull out so I should be able to make it

Edited November 29, 2016 by joshg678