Orcrone,

I am just like you when driving. I do try to keep it in EV mode for short periods though, which makes me go slower than I would normally. I find that staying in EV mode too long hurts your overall FE because ICE has to run at the next few lights. ICE running at a stop = bad.

 

They might be the ones that complain that hybrids don't achieve their EPA ratings. Some people seem to think only the vehicle matters and not the type of driving...

 

Not only does the ICE have to run for a while, but the higher your SOC the easier it is to get the car into EV mode. I find that I travel on one road with a 50 mph speed limit and lights every 1/4 mile. They're timed that if you get to 50 you'll be slowing to nothing. Instead I accelerate with the ICE to about 40, utilizing little SOC. I let off the gas and the car easily goes into EV mode. I then coast until the light turns green and the cars start moving. During this time the regen charges the battery even more. I get real good mileage in these stretches because of the EV mode, but I arrive with the SOC still pretty near max.

 

I'm still here, thanks! Sold the "other car" so now (finally) just a one-car very happy TCH owner. Thanks for asking!

 

Hey, Steve! Great to know you are still with us!! Many of us have missed your presence!

Barb