When I got my Insight a little over a year ago, I was driving almost every day, but not long distances though. My schedule has since changed and my hours consolidated so that I don't have to come in 5-6 days a week now. I have only recently begun riding my bike to work more often. I've done it in the past but it was more a "once in a while" sort of thing. I also like to ride my bike to run errands, as it's faster, more convenient, and much more fun. Besides, driving short distances to, say, the post office or grocery store close by can't be good for the ICE since it doesn't reach optimal operating temp, and that's bad for the engine and environment. I've come to understand that a hybrid is an ideal car for those who drive a lot or drive long distances, but that doesn't mean people like me who don't drive very much shouldn't have them. Owning the Insight has changed my views and taste in cars and also my consumerism habits. This is a car I'll keep, both for its engineering wonders and frugality in fuel cost and maintenance cost. I'm always on the look out for a late model ('04-'06) Insight or a 2000 Citrus in pristine condition. If I happen upon a used and affordable CRZ, I just might be tempted even though its mpg isn't all that great. I won't consider a car unless it gets at least an average of 55mpg now. I've since become an mpg snob :P
FWIW, I have used rechargeable batteries since the 80s. I had nicad, then moved to the nickel metal ones.
If either was left for a month, they ran down and needed to be recharged. If they were left for dead like in a flash light that was left on, it was a 50/50 chance you could get a charge to build up and reuse them. If you did manager to get them to take a charge after leaving them in the charger for days the charge wasn't that significant to be of any use.
Sent from my Autoguide iPod touch app
__________________
Enginer 4 kilowatt PHEV, 3000k 35 watt fogs, Eco bulb highs, 4300k 35 watt low all w/relay kits, DRLs/Rear Wiper removed&rear interior gutted, Sony HU W/front speakers, Tanabe nf springs, 35% tint all around, all LED lamp replacement, 09 fit progress rear sway bar, OEM block heater, full gril block, KN Filter, Honda vent visiors, group 51 battery, home made balancer/grid charger Best/Worse MPG 96/36
"If either was left for a month, they ran down and needed to be recharged. If they were left for dead like in a flash light that was left on, it was a 50/50 chance you could get a charge to build up and reuse them. If you did manager to get them to take a charge after leaving them in the charger for days the charge wasn't that significant to be of any use."
There is a difference between good cells and bad cells. I have some NiCd cells around from the late 80's that still work today, they didn't have much capacity new then and still don't now. I also went through brands that wouldn't last more than a couple years. Chargers sucked then too, the ones you describe were trickle chargers that charged at a rate just a little too high for continuous charging but you would usually be fine if you let them charge overnight. Newer chargers properly terminate when they are done. Also newer consumer cells don't self discharge much at all, albeit the ones that don't also sacrifice some capacity while they are at it but I can rip 10 amps out of them briefly and they don't sag too badly and still survive. I know people with Sanyo Eneloop cells over 5 years that seem to have little complaint with abuse and can sit for a month and not need a charge.
Consumer cells are a little off topic as Honda is using cells and charging algorithms far better than the junk that we used to use and some that people still use. I have abused some of the Honda D cells in ways I know I could never abuse a consumer cell and they seem to take it in stride. I wouldn't do the same with the ones in the car though.
Quick thought:
After extended parking, the cells are discharged and pretty hideously imbalanced.
So..
What about doing the following, after extended parking has been inflicted on the pack?
1) Get to the car, pull the EPS fuse and redline the motor for a few minutes to recharge it quick-like
2) Using the Calpod switch, drive it completely without assist, but switching the Calpod off to enable regen, until the battery shows fully recharged
__________________ 2002 Red Honda Insect 5MT
Detriments: 270,000 miles, P1447+P1449 IMA failure (bad battery), P1420 catalyst failure
Mollifying modifications: Scangauge, 70% condensor blockoff, OEM tires at (more than 50)psi, clutch bypass switch
Stats: 51 lifetime MPG when purchased late 2011; 52.1 lifetime MPG current.
....I have some NiCd cells around from the late 80's that still work today, they didn't have much capacity new then and still don't now.....
Hi MN Driver,
I'm glad you mentioned this.
Just the other day I was musing at how long the battery in my electric shaver has lasted. If I had to guess, it would be estimated that I've had that shaver for a good 8 years or so, and the original battery is still going strong.
I only charge the battery when it's about ready to stop, and typically leave it plugged in to charge for less than 8 hours. I run the battery all the way from top to bottom.
The problem is that the car will not charge the pack above an average SOC of 80% (max). This means that you're only balancing them to within that 20% range. They're still very imbalanced, just a little less hideously. A trickle charger will take them all up to 100% and get them all balanced.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RedJellyBean
Quick thought:
After extended parking, the cells are discharged and pretty hideously imbalanced.
So..
What about doing the following, after extended parking has been inflicted on the pack?
1) Get to the car, pull the EPS fuse and redline the motor for a few minutes to recharge it quick-like
2) Using the Calpod switch, drive it completely without assist, but switching the Calpod off to enable regen, until the battery shows fully recharged
__________________
2000 MT #4227 175K miles - Citrus Yellow, BetterBattery
The problem is that the car will not charge the pack above an average SOC of 80% (max). This means that you're only balancing them to within that 20% range. They're still very imbalanced, just a little less hideously. A trickle charger will take them all up to 100% and get them all balanced.
Good call.
Does Hybrid Battery Repair offer trickle chargers for sale separately from batteries?
__________________ 2002 Red Honda Insect 5MT
Detriments: 270,000 miles, P1447+P1449 IMA failure (bad battery), P1420 catalyst failure
Mollifying modifications: Scangauge, 70% condensor blockoff, OEM tires at (more than 50)psi, clutch bypass switch
Stats: 51 lifetime MPG when purchased late 2011; 52.1 lifetime MPG current.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
