4 months ago I took a job as a courier. When I started, I was at 31,xxx miles. I'm now at 63,xxx miles. 7,500-8,000 miles a month. Here's some things that I have learned: - run on battery until below 80% State Of Charge (STC.) I have a ScanGauge II which shows STC on it. Then, I switch to HV mode until I'm heading home. - At each restart of my car (maybe 2-3 times a day?) it will drop another 5% (or so...) STC while getting stabilized in HV-mode. - The car will automatically kick out of EV mode when ~10% STC. - I drive the last miles home each day using my battery until below 10%, then fully charge overnight with the factory charger on 240-volts. Takes about 5.25 hours on average. - including the battery, I'm averaging 53.4 mpg. - Most of my driving is Interstate. Speed Limit showing 70 mph. I typically at 5 mph to the posted limit. There is a fair amount of country backroads at 45-65 mph. - if I keep doing this, I will need to add some auxiliary lighting for night-time operations (lights are "ok" after adjusting them, just lacking in intensity for what I need - country backroads.) - I'm averaging $125/week in gasoline (~ $2.99/gallon here at this time.) - other couriers are very jealous of my car and gas mileage!! - I'm typically asked a couple of times a week about my car by those I'm delivering to. - LKAS is great for eating while driving. - ACC w/LSF is great for stop-and-go traffic, even if it isn't the smoothest software in use. - Android Auto is a wonderful feature with Google Maps. (I do have a Garmin hooked up as a backup for when I end up in areas without cell service.) Did I mention that I have the base model? - Google Maps isn't always right and doesn't always show all addresses. Besides Garmin, MapQuest is another excellent backup. - the generator has smoothed. Therefore, I now only hear "angry bees" when the rpm is above 4000. When it was newer, it would be around 3000 rpm. - I run in "normal" mode except when merging. Then I use Sport mode. I seldom use Econ as it causes the cruise control and HVAC to be less responsive. This car continues to be a joy to drive and operate.
Awesome post... Not a courier but I've averaged about 25k mi/year. I've only seen one Uber driver in a Clarity in my years of ownership. I've always been surprised in the fact that the clarity didn't gain more popularity as a fleet vehicle.
I must be at the opposite end of the spectrum. '18 Clarity purchased in March of 2019. Has 12,000 miles on the odo.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has a few Clarities, I’ve seen them in the San Fernando Valley with their department logo on the doors.
