SOC for Long Road Trip

So the wife keeping the ICE running is a good thing?

 

I've watched the video several times. I really prefer to keep a reasonable speed with modest acceleration and reasonable stopping distances. The computer knows when to go into EV which it does quite often. I believe trying to avoid EV by keeping the ICE running rather than allowing EV is a mistake for my driving style.

 

Everything I've read for fuel efficiency is that you come up to speed, then let off the pedal and depress again enough to maintain your speed. You're not supposed to force EV or force the ICE to turn. The car will do what it thinks is most efficient.

 

That's basically the difference between EV and STEALTH...

That brings up good memories. Prius owners has this identical thought 12 years ago. The "not supposed to" ended up being proven false. But so many new owners misunderstood the "when" part, we just gave up and promoted the JUST DRIVE IT instead. Not knowing when will result in lower overall MPG. So if you aren't familiar enough with the system, it's counter-productive.

Put it this way. You know far more about your driving route & circumstances than the system. It has no clue how long you'll be driving, what the traffic will be, or even at what speed. You have the choice, but may not necessary choose wisely.

 

Clear as mud!

 

Okay, considering HV Mode operation, use EV (operation not mode) when the computer selects it. This will tend to happen at lower speeds in the flat or on mild up/down slopes.

As for not using EV when you can't plug in, that is confusing. The plug-in does some very nice regeneration and it certainly makes sense to use that energy.

 

With so many variables at play, there is no simple rule-of-thumb available. You basically have to be really observant and willing to do many, many comparisons. This is why we tell people not to try, especially since system operation is often counter-intuative.

 

HV Mode operation includes an EV component and that seems to be where there is some confusion. Certainly pulse and glide is the most efficient in which case EV operation within the HV Mode is used as little as possible. This is where the "avoid charging and discharging the battery at all costs" is "preached". However, in the HV Mode one may want to use EV operation in order to have a more traditional driving style (like keeping up with traffic). In that case encouraging EV operation seems to be a way to get reasonable mpg.

 

Certainly not the best but easy to do and somewhat better than "just drive it".