How many electric motors???

[lolder]

Originally Posted by CRT1

Is it true that the cycle of regen braking back to forward momentum is only about 20% efficient with all of the inversions and losses?

The regen cycle or EV cycle is about 70% efficient. You can pulse and glide below 47 mph. by avoiding HVB charge and discharge arrows with careful go pedal modulation and improve low speed mpg. about 30 %. It's not hard to do but try it out with no traffic.

[NeilBlanchard]

Ideally, in Eco mode all EV's should free-wheel coast when you lift your right foot off the accelerator pedal. It should be easy, and this would encourage coasting, and you learn to minimize how much acceleration you do. Put ALL of the regeneration on the *brake* pedal; you know the one for stopping.

An added benefit would be the ability to rest / stretch your right leg on longer drives. Lift you foot to coast, and relax all the muscles -- much better than having to concentrate on some dial to find the perfect position...

The Honda Fit EV apparently does this in the Eco mode -- the Leaf and the i MiEV (and the Focus? and the Mini E) designers should all learn from those of us who have been practicing ecodriving aka hypermiling!

[08EscapeHybrid]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The Honda Fit EV apparently does this in the Eco mode -- the Leaf and the i MiEV (and the Focus? and the Mini E) designers should all learn from those of us who have been practicing ecodriving aka hypermiling!

The problem is that vehicles are designed for the masses. Hypermilers are in the minority.

[lolder]

Another thought is that with no built in regen drag, you would have to be constantly moving your foot between the go and stop pedals. These vehicles gain speed very quickly coasting down very slight hills. There's no difference in efficiency between the built in regen and braking regen. The way they are presently designed, in mild terrain, you can do most speed regulation with one pedal.

[08EscapeHybrid]

In my FEH I find that even with the automatic mild regen, that its fairly easy to exceed the speed limit going down hills, even when I have the cruise set 10 MPH under the limit.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Originally Posted by herm

If the Leaf is moving you can blip it into reverse, it shifts instantly into neutral.. it may beep at you.

Interesting. I had assumed that the vehicle had a safety built into it for such use but wasn't willing to try it out to see what happened. Still not sure I want to try it.

Fortunately, I'm rather experienced at anticipatory driving and the 2s hasn't been too much of an issue.