Now that these beautiful vehicles are starting to pop up in peoples driveways....
What is the max speed you are able to eek out of the EV motor. Owners manual says 40MPH but I've read that previous model years that had a 30MPH limit have hit or exceeded 40MPH.

Blind Mike & Michelle
TwoLostMinds

 

I can hit 40MPH quite easily, but it's difficult to get above 30 unless it is on level ground, or a slight downhill slant.

It seems like once you hit 30MPH, anything more than like 2% throttle engages the ICU.

 

From all the information and reviews of the '09 FEH/MMH I've read, the '09 will be still limited to a 40mph max speed in EV. Ford had to have changed to the new Variable Voltage Converter (VVC) which boost voltage to claim an increase from 25mph to a solid 40mph claimed now in the '09 Owner's Manual. The Plug-In prototypes are also limited to 40mph EV speeds.

The limit in the years prior to the '09 was the inability to maintain 40mph unless you had a tailwind or were going down a hill. The newer VVC can boost voltage now and support the torque of the electric motors for the limited 40mph threshold. If I'm correct, the HV battery will be more efficient in both charging and discharging of the HV battery and will allow a longer EV mode than prior years in the FEH/MMH.

I was hoping the '09 FEH/MMH would have a higher threshold speed in EV like ~50mph, but I don't see any evidence so far in test or from Ford. Toyota's '10 Prius is claiming to have a 62mph EV threshold which I'm waiting on for my wife.

GaryG

 

i hit 35 miles per hour on a slight downhill today in my 2005 feh i will try for 40 miles per hour.!

 

I have hit 38 on level terrain from a flat stop. 2008 AWD.