ECON Mode Off Early Test Results

jraynor196 · 08-11-2009, 12:56 PM

I'm running a tank with ECON off.

My typical commute into Hartford CT is around 23 miles.

Today I measure the MPG.

Conditions 75-78 degrees sunny and dry, econ off, no cruise, no AC. Time was 7:45 to 8:15. The 23 miles are about 4 city and 19 highway. Tires 40 PSI all around. Drive around 55 using my standard hill climbing techniques. I can usually do 60s and sometimes 70s with ECON on going in to Hartford.

Early conclusions: I am not seeing too much difference. Total miles on tank is around 200. Wife did around 40 miles in the city with stop and go and averages 41.6 according to the MID. Right now tank average is around 55 MPG.

Here's a pic with the total for this morning going in.

FNG · 08-11-2009, 01:13 PM

wow good job

Cobb · 08-12-2009, 12:21 AM

With ac on, my usual commute an cruse control, best I could do was 44.6. I turned econ back on and got to 49mpg in about 12 miles on my commute.

Guess I need to learn how to drive them hills? I am too spoiled to rocking out and just steering.

blueridge · 08-12-2009, 08:23 AM

nice.. can you give us more info on your 'hill techniques'.. as i live in western NC so all i got is hills/mtns.. i have been averaging about 47-48 total since i got the car.. my top was 56.1 on a 150 mile trip..

thx in advance..

jpleong · 08-12-2009, 11:37 AM

All you who have turned off ECO Mode, has anyone noticed that it's easier to coast in Drive? I had to rush to the airport last night so I drove the loop without ECO Mode and was coasting, accelerating, and charging with no problem. It seemed easier (more fun?) and thanks to some very significant hills I netted a near-60mpg on the return leg (outbound was in the 40's).

I wonder if ECO Mode off would make pulse and glide less taxing?

JP

jraynor196 · 08-12-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpleong

All you who have turned off ECO Mode, has anyone noticed that it's easier to coast in Drive? I had to rush to the airport last night so I drove the loop without ECO Mode and was coasting, accelerating, and charging with no problem. It seemed easier (more fun?) and thanks to some very significant hills I netted a near-60mpg on the return leg (outbound was in the 40's).

I wonder if ECO Mode off would make pulse and glide less taxing?

JP

So, far I have found with no eco the throttle tip in and response is better, there seems to be less travel with the accelerator with regards to response as the car is not muting responses at all.

I haven't noticed better gliding, about the same, but I only got about 250 miles with ECO.

jraynor196 · 08-12-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueridge

nice.. can you give us more info on your 'hill techniques'.. as i live in western NC so all i got is hills/mtns.. i have been averaging about 47-48 total since i got the car.. my top was 56.1 on a 150 mile trip..

thx in advance..

Basically, the technique is similar to a rollercoaster ride, using the momentum going down the valley(s) to help climb the hill.

Try to gain speed prior to the hill without dipping into MPG too much. Let your speed drop as you climb the hill.

Example:

I see a 300 FT elevation change hill up ahead on the highway. Currently I am on a slight down grade. Instead of trying to max out MPG on the down grade. Use the grade to your advantage and speed up while still maintaining good MPG. Then as you climb hill let your speed drop.

At the bottom of the hill, speed may be 70MPH, and as you crest 55 MPH. You can let you speed drop more if no one is behind, otherwise I try to maintain a low end speed of 55 MPH to keep others happy and I stay in right lane.

I find that this can really help with the MPG. Routinely, 50 MPG going UP A HILL with this technique can be achieved.

If long climbs, you can negate a portion of the climb as well which helps with battery management.

I drive the same route every day, so I have managed to figure out most of the hills and the exact speed required at the bottom to climb them efficiently, so that helps as well. Knowing the terrain helps as well.

jraynor196 · 08-12-2009, 08:12 PM

I'll see if I can post a video of the hill climbing technique for a real world example while driving.

HybridforCollege · 08-13-2009, 02:54 AM

I use this technique sometimes too, but only so cruise control does not go crazy- i mean go into the blue or really high rpm when climbing steep hills

buglermcd · 08-13-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpleong

All you who have turned off ECO Mode, has anyone noticed that it's easier to coast in Drive? I had to rush to the airport last night so I drove the loop without ECO Mode and was coasting, accelerating, and charging with no problem. It seemed easier (more fun?) and thanks to some very significant hills I netted a near-60mpg on the return leg (outbound was in the 40's).

I wonder if ECO Mode off would make pulse and glide less taxing?

JP

I'm pretty sure with ECON ON, the computer increases regenerative braking, not just when you press the brake pedal, but also in coasting.

Try coasting with ECON OFF, and then turn ECON ON and see if the CHRG/ASST goes further to charge.