New FEH Owner
#1
New FEH Owner
Greetings all. I am a new owner of an 06 FEH with just under 35k miles. Still getting through my first tank of gas. My driving is mostly in the city. I've read the suggestions here and @ cleanmpg re: FE. I am currently averaging just over 33 MPG.
I am not yet comfortable with Fake Shift method outlined in the 'hypermiling' thread on cleanmpg. I do not yet have a scanguage to watch SOC.
Here are some thoughts/questions....perhaps someone can tell me if I'm thinking in the right direction?
When building a charge, shifting into "L" and then coasting to my stoplight will bank more charge than "D". True?
Which is more efficient -- coasting in "D" with no gas or coasting in "N"? Assume no trickery here so the ICE will be running.
Once I'm past warm up and have sufficient charge, I'd really like to find a way to drop back into EV when decelerating. This will happen once I reach a certain point (20mph or so) but I'd like to make it happen sooner. if coasting and I drop into "N" my econ gauge goes all the way up (I have no NAV). Despite this, the ICE is still running (although down close to 1000RPM). I'm assuming this is equivalent to an idle but getting it to shut off completely seems like would help. I could then drop back into "D" and gingerly use EV to maintain speed. I understand this is not possible over 43 mph (possibly less?, I have 4wd). Keeping a constant 35 mph on flat ground would be ideal.
here is the relevant section from GaryG's article:
I've tried this...I cannot seem to ever get into EV under these conditions. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what is necessary?
1. moving under 43mph
2. shift to "L"
3. let off gas
4. shift to "N" before the tach drops
Related question: Is there another way to do this? A mentioned above, ideally I'd like to be able to drop into EV only from an "N" coast. I'll save "L" for faster recharges when coming to a stop.
Great Forum. Looking forward to tweaking at least 35MPG out of this FEH...
--Mak
I am not yet comfortable with Fake Shift method outlined in the 'hypermiling' thread on cleanmpg. I do not yet have a scanguage to watch SOC.
Here are some thoughts/questions....perhaps someone can tell me if I'm thinking in the right direction?
When building a charge, shifting into "L" and then coasting to my stoplight will bank more charge than "D". True?
Which is more efficient -- coasting in "D" with no gas or coasting in "N"? Assume no trickery here so the ICE will be running.
Once I'm past warm up and have sufficient charge, I'd really like to find a way to drop back into EV when decelerating. This will happen once I reach a certain point (20mph or so) but I'd like to make it happen sooner. if coasting and I drop into "N" my econ gauge goes all the way up (I have no NAV). Despite this, the ICE is still running (although down close to 1000RPM). I'm assuming this is equivalent to an idle but getting it to shut off completely seems like would help. I could then drop back into "D" and gingerly use EV to maintain speed. I understand this is not possible over 43 mph (possibly less?, I have 4wd). Keeping a constant 35 mph on flat ground would be ideal.
here is the relevant section from GaryG's article:
The “Low Gear Advantage” (LGA) is a term I came up with to describe another benefit of the FEH. If all conditions are right for Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, shifting to low gear (“L”) under 43 mph and letting off the gas pedal can cause the FEH to go EV at 40 mph. Just before the tach drops, it will make a slight bump which will allow you to know when to shift to neutral “N”) before EV. This helps for a smooth glide down to an EV speed you can hold in “D” (up to 37 mph in some FEH’s).
1. moving under 43mph
2. shift to "L"
3. let off gas
4. shift to "N" before the tach drops
Related question: Is there another way to do this? A mentioned above, ideally I'd like to be able to drop into EV only from an "N" coast. I'll save "L" for faster recharges when coming to a stop.
Great Forum. Looking forward to tweaking at least 35MPG out of this FEH...
--Mak
#2
Re: New FEH Owner
Greetings all. I am a new owner of an 06 FEH with just under 35k miles. Still getting through my first tank of gas. My driving is mostly in the city. I've read the suggestions here and @ cleanmpg re: FE. I am currently averaging just over 33 MPG.
I am not yet comfortable with Fake Shift method outlined in the 'hypermiling' thread on cleanmpg. I do not yet have a scanguage to watch SOC.
Here are some thoughts/questions....perhaps someone can tell me if I'm thinking in the right direction?
When building a charge, shifting into "L" and then coasting to my stoplight will bank more charge than "D". True?
Which is more efficient -- coasting in "D" with no gas or coasting in "N"? Assume no trickery here so the ICE will be running.
here is the relevant section from GaryG's article:
I've tried this...I cannot seem to ever get into EV under these conditions. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what is necessary?
1. moving under 43mph
2. shift to "L"
3. let off gas
4. shift to "N" before the tach drops
Related question: Is there another way to do this? A mentioned above, ideally I'd like to be able to drop into EV only from an "N" coast. I'll save "L" for faster recharges when coming to a stop.
Great Forum. Looking forward to tweaking at least 35MPG out of this FEH...
--Mak
I am not yet comfortable with Fake Shift method outlined in the 'hypermiling' thread on cleanmpg. I do not yet have a scanguage to watch SOC.
Here are some thoughts/questions....perhaps someone can tell me if I'm thinking in the right direction?
When building a charge, shifting into "L" and then coasting to my stoplight will bank more charge than "D". True?
Which is more efficient -- coasting in "D" with no gas or coasting in "N"? Assume no trickery here so the ICE will be running.
here is the relevant section from GaryG's article:
I've tried this...I cannot seem to ever get into EV under these conditions. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what is necessary?
1. moving under 43mph
2. shift to "L"
3. let off gas
4. shift to "N" before the tach drops
Related question: Is there another way to do this? A mentioned above, ideally I'd like to be able to drop into EV only from an "N" coast. I'll save "L" for faster recharges when coming to a stop.
Great Forum. Looking forward to tweaking at least 35MPG out of this FEH...
--Mak
The reason I say shift to "L" at 43mph is because it takes 3 seconds of decel to drop into EV at or below 40mph. Do not shift to "N" till the tach drops or starts to drop. You will see the tach bounce up a second and then fall just before you go EV. After some practice you can time this bounce and shift to "N" as the FEH goes EV. You can go EV below 40mph in "D" or "N" by lightly tapping the brake pedal 1-3 times. The '05 - '08 FEH will also go EV at 30mph and below by letting off the gas pedal for three seconds in "D" on its own.
The fake shift was first used to reduce RPM in "D" by letting off acceleration. It was modified to going EV at 40mph and below by shifting to "L" as explained above.
Enjoy your '06 FEH!
GaryG
#3
Re: New FEH Owner
In my 08 FEH 4WD I have been unable to maintain EV above 30 mph on flat ground. I was under the impression that 30 was actually some sort of software cutoff for powered EV. If you can get 35 EV on flat ground I'd love to know how because that 5 mph would enable me to be EV alot more frequently.
#4
Re: New FEH Owner
My 08FEH FWD will accelerate up to 37MPH in EV on flat roads. I just have to be very gentle with the throttle/acceleration past 20MPH and be aware of the battery SOC (which is more of an issue when accelerating from stop to 37MPH). It doesn't happen every time. It's also not the type of accelerating you do with someone behind you but it can be done.
#5
Re: New FEH Owner
GaryG -- Thanks for the response! I'll try your suggestions. I'm due for a fill up today so I get to start the experiment over from scratch.
Others,
I've managed to get above 30mph and close to 35mph from stop in EV in my 06. This has always been with I assume my SOC is high(er). During times when I believe my SOC to be low, the maximum speed seems reduced. This could be anecdotal though...I'll know for sure with some more testing once I get a SG.
--Mak
Others,
I've managed to get above 30mph and close to 35mph from stop in EV in my 06. This has always been with I assume my SOC is high(er). During times when I believe my SOC to be low, the maximum speed seems reduced. This could be anecdotal though...I'll know for sure with some more testing once I get a SG.
--Mak
#6
Re: New FEH Owner
My 08FEH FWD will accelerate up to 37MPH in EV on flat roads. I just have to be very gentle with the throttle/acceleration past 20MPH and be aware of the battery SOC (which is more of an issue when accelerating from stop to 37MPH). It doesn't happen every time. It's also not the type of accelerating you do with someone behind you but it can be done.
I tooo have never been able to do what Gary describes about shifting to N. I don't know if it's because I'm to impatiecent, as I don't like to coast from 50-0 in N from a 1/4mile from my stop, or what. But "fake shift" I use constantly. I try to keep my RPM's <2. It's just a light lift of the foot and watch the tach drop then continue pressing again. It works 9 time out of 10, the 1 time is when I'm in too big of a hurry, or climbing a small hill, or like most OK days, fighting a 30+MPH wind
Good luck, 32-33 out of a AWD is actually impressive!
#7
Re: New FEH Owner
An alternative to shifting into "N" in EV mode to avoid charging is to add slight pressure to the gas pedal until the nav screen goes to "idle" (vs. Electric drive or Charging). I would think non-nav cars would be able to do this with the scan gauge showing traction battery voltage, but I don't usually have that X-gauge up so I've never tried this.
Have you ever tried that Gary? Any thoughts on getting longer glides, etc when actually in "N" vs. cancelling regen with the gas pedal?
To the original poster, you can also drop into EV by double tapping your brake pedal. This isn't as subtle to the cars behind you, so I always check my rear view first. On mine, this seems to happen faster than using "L", and it seems to cost less momentum.
Have you ever tried that Gary? Any thoughts on getting longer glides, etc when actually in "N" vs. cancelling regen with the gas pedal?
To the original poster, you can also drop into EV by double tapping your brake pedal. This isn't as subtle to the cars behind you, so I always check my rear view first. On mine, this seems to happen faster than using "L", and it seems to cost less momentum.
#8
Re: New FEH Owner
An alternative to shifting into "N" in EV mode to avoid charging is to add slight pressure to the gas pedal until the nav screen goes to "idle" (vs. Electric drive or Charging). I would think non-nav cars would be able to do this with the scan gauge showing traction battery voltage, but I don't usually have that X-gauge up so I've never tried this.
Have you ever tried that Gary? Any thoughts on getting longer glides, etc when actually in "N" vs. cancelling regen with the gas pedal?
To the original poster, you can also drop into EV by double tapping your brake pedal. This isn't as subtle to the cars behind you, so I always check my rear view first. On mine, this seems to happen faster than using "L", and it seems to cost less momentum.
Have you ever tried that Gary? Any thoughts on getting longer glides, etc when actually in "N" vs. cancelling regen with the gas pedal?
To the original poster, you can also drop into EV by double tapping your brake pedal. This isn't as subtle to the cars behind you, so I always check my rear view first. On mine, this seems to happen faster than using "L", and it seems to cost less momentum.
GaryG
#9
Re: New FEH Owner
Just drive the d--- thing.
After awhile you'll get a sense for how the computer is set up, when it kicks in & out, and how much pressure to use on the gas pedal to keep it from starting up the ICE.
You'll get a feel for the roads & hills you travel alot and then start to challenge yourself to go a certain route & distance on the battery.
Being in "L" causes the charge rate to go up on the battery (designed to give you a feel for being in low when decelerating - does nothing when accelerating), until it is fully charged, then it causes the ICE to start up and provide some amount of compression braking
Once you have a feel for how the system responds then start playing around with all this stuff if you want.
Remember: what all these "tricks" do is fool the computer into doing something it wasn't programmed to do. Maybe good, maybe bad.
After awhile you'll get a sense for how the computer is set up, when it kicks in & out, and how much pressure to use on the gas pedal to keep it from starting up the ICE.
You'll get a feel for the roads & hills you travel alot and then start to challenge yourself to go a certain route & distance on the battery.
Being in "L" causes the charge rate to go up on the battery (designed to give you a feel for being in low when decelerating - does nothing when accelerating), until it is fully charged, then it causes the ICE to start up and provide some amount of compression braking
Once you have a feel for how the system responds then start playing around with all this stuff if you want.
Remember: what all these "tricks" do is fool the computer into doing something it wasn't programmed to do. Maybe good, maybe bad.
#10
Re: New FEH Owner
The '05 - '08 FEH will also go EV at 30mph and below by letting off the gas pedal for three seconds in "D" on its own.
This does not seem to consistently be the case with my FEH (06, 4wd). This is true even when SOC should be high enough to drop into EV. I was just curious...
Thanks,
Mak