David in TN
Well-Known Member
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.
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.
