More Motor and Less Engine?
#1
More Motor and Less Engine?
Just got one of these puppies a few days ago. Joined forum today. Based on my previous reading of various reviews and hype, I am very surprised at how short a time the electric motor is the sole propulsion in low-speed stop and go (i.e. crowded city driving). For me, I would like to see more motor and less engine in such circumstances. Does anybody know if that is "tunable"? Official service technician capability? 3rd party or hack?
#2
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by tedpark
Just got one of these puppies a few days ago. Joined forum today. Based on my previous reading of various reviews and hype, I am very surprised at how short a time the electric motor is the sole propulsion in low-speed stop and go (i.e. crowded city driving). For me, I would like to see more motor and less engine in such circumstances. Does anybody know if that is "tunable"? Official service technician capability? 3rd party or hack?
#3
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by tedpark
Just got one of these puppies a few days ago. Joined forum today. Based on my previous reading of various reviews and hype, I am very surprised at how short a time the electric motor is the sole propulsion in low-speed stop and go (i.e. crowded city driving). For me, I would like to see more motor and less engine in such circumstances. Does anybody know if that is "tunable"? Official service technician capability? 3rd party or hack?
J
#5
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by pbanks
I've gotten mine to go e-mode at 70mph for about .5 of a mile on occasions - is always a joy to get that.
J
Last edited by schmidtj; 08-22-2006 at 06:30 AM.
#6
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by schmidtj
There is really no "true" EV mode above about 42 mph. By "True" EV I mean MG1 driving the car and the ICE not rotating. Above approx 42 mph the ICE must rotate to keep MG1 from overspeeding. Even thought the ICE is rotating the injectors may not be firing though.
J
J
#8
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by pbanks
Hmmm, odd. Let me put it this way, I have several times gotten the needle to drop into e-mode at those speeds.
BTW, I agree with the OP. I wish the car was more tunable for emode under 42mph.
#10
Re: More Motor and Less Engine?
Originally Posted by pbanks
Hmmm, odd. Let me put it this way, I have several times gotten the needle to drop into e-mode at those speeds.
The E-mode indicator is usually meant to indicate the ICE is not spinning, but at that speed unless you're in neutral the ICE must spin to prevent damage to the generator (as schimidtj stated). The reason for this is that the motor, generator, and ICE are interconnected thru the power split device. The rotational speed of any 1 of these is dependant on the rpm of the other 2 devices. If your motor is spinning for a vehicle speed of 70mph and the ICE is not spinning at all, this would cause the generator to spin far past it's normal operating range. Forcing the ICE to spin, even if no power is needed from it, allows the generator to spin in it's safe operating range.
In neutral the generator is disconnected from the ICE (the reason the manual warns you not to leave in neutral as no battery charging will occur).