2013 CMax SE

[FaythnHope]

Hi.  I would like any information about what my girl can do, how to drive to get the best gas mileage and to get advise about her quirks.  
 

Thanks!

NW Indiana 

[homestead]

watch this video

[fbov]

I suggest starting with Paul Jones' YouTube videos. Paul covers both driver actions and car modifications that he's found beneficial. 

 

For my part, I see the car as an energy bank. You withdraw energy by burning fuel, turning that energy into motion. You can reclaim that kinetic energy by climbing a hill (potential energy), or charging the battery (electrical energy), and use it again to move the car.  I've thrown some numbers in to give you a sense of scale. Nothing has the energy density of gasoline, and it's low 30% efficiency is where we have the most to gain. 

 

The trick is running the engine so it's very efficient (low RPM, high load) and managing the losses: rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag and friction braking. As with everything else in life, timing matters, and in this case, timing means "following the terrain."

- try to use the engine going up hills, when you need power to maintain speed

- try to use EV going downhill, which needs less power, and possibly braking, to maintain speed. 

 

There is one driving technique that will help a lot: learning to drop into EV. The engine will stay on if you keep your foot on the gas. You have to lift your right foot for a moment to get into EV. It takes practice, but it's how you force the car into EV. 

 

I see @homestead replied, likely with a link to Paul's videos. 

 

Have fun,

Frank

Edited April 22, 2021 by fbov