Mode request

  • Thread starter Thread starter JimW
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 13
  • Views Views 3K
JimW

JimW

Active Member
After driving my Clarity for a couple months, I think I now understand all the modes. However, the mode I want does not exist. I would like normal mode, with full heat and AC, where you can stay in EV mode without non-deliberately starting the ICE. To start the ICE, you would need to push the go pedal beyond the detent. This would essentially be econ mode, but with normal go pedal response and full heat and AC. You'd lose a little EV range, but for commuting to work and around town would not be an issue for most of us. I wonder if Honda can reprogram our systems as part of future software updates.
 
I need to test this some more, but it almost seems easier to stay in EV only operation while in Sport mode, because the throttle seems more linear and it is easier to bring the power bar right up to the transition to ICE without going over.

I do agree that I wish it was easier to lock the car in EV only operation.
 
JimW said:
I would like normal mode, with full heat and AC, where you can stay in EV mode without non-deliberately starting the ICE. To start the ICE, you would need to push the go pedal beyond the detent. This would essentially be econ mode, but with normal go pedal response and full heat and AC. .
Click to expand...

How is this "proposed mode" different from the behavior of the current "normal" mode when the battery is charged?
 
Honestly, I have grown accustomed to Econ, just press the go pedal harder. I find sport a bit tricky as if I accelerate too briskly it starts the engine.

FYI 0-60 times are the same in all modes if you push the accelerator pedal to the floor.

Heater in Econ seemed fine, haven't tried AC yet. Been as cold as -20 F.

Eric
 
Hi.Ho.Silver said:
How is this "proposed mode" different from the behavior of the current "normal" mode when the battery is charged?
Click to expand...
Two differences:

(1) Econ mode derates the AC. I have noticed that the air feels more humid and I have condensation on back window in the morning. This is in 50-70 degree weather with tons of rain we've been having. I expect in summer heat and humidity, econ may not be acceptable.

(2) I'd like to be able to get maximum possible acceleration available from battery, for example while accelerating onto interstate. Econ mode limits the power delivery.

While running in normal and sport modes, it seems silly to have to look at the dashboard to keep from crossing the blue line and starting the ICE. Sometimes in normal mode, I will accidentally start the ICE on an on-ramp, by barely crossing that threshold. Then ICE runs for another 5-10 minutes, even though the car only needed the power for a few seconds. Having the driver select whether they want "max acceleration using battery only" or "max acceleration using all sources of power" makes sense to me. They already have the nice detent in the go pedal. Why not use it for normal mode also?
 
I think Honda has created a bit of a mess with their choice of modes, buttons, and inadequate documentation. What I'd like is...

1) An EV/HV button. If On it's EV mode. If Off it's HV mode. The difference being in EV mode the car is strongly biased toward running electric and not turning the ICE on. In HV mode it maintains the traction battery level, toggling in and out of electric and ICE as needed.

2) An Econ button that can work in either EV or HV mode.

3) I suppose also a Sport button but you'll not find my car in Sport mode. I really like getting the best use of fuel and I think Sport mode isn't an economy mode.

This seems like the current setup but then Honda throws in Normal mode and doesn't actually supply an EV button. I think it would satisfy myself and a lot of others if there was an actual EV button. From my perspective they can leave out the Charge feature.
 
I'm still somewhat mystified by the behavior of Econ and HV modes. Sometimes the engine starts while in Econ mode for no reason I can discern, with about a 90 percent charge. I've found that if I switch to HV mode, and then back to Econ, it might stop, at least temporarily. This morning, the engine kept running while driving down the highway at about 55mph, and no amount of button pushing could stop the engine--until I came to a stop light, and pressed Econ one more time. The engine stopped, and remained off for the duration of the trip home--about 15 more minutes. Is this a feature or a bug?
 
Once the engine starts for whatever reason, it will run until it has warmed up. (according to the manual)
 
JimW said:
Two differences:
(2) I'd like to be able to get maximum possible acceleration available from battery, for example while accelerating onto interstate. Econ mode limits the power delivery.
Click to expand...
Econ does not derate motor performance, it just changes pedal mapping to be less aggressive.

The battery discharge current limits potential in EV mode, with the engine running it ups the voltage available to the motor. If you want a burst of power, start the engine. 0-60 performance is the same in all modes.
 
Rob_v1 said:
I'm still somewhat mystified by the behavior of Econ and HV modes. Sometimes the engine starts while in Econ mode for no reason I can discern, with about a 90 percent charge. I've found that if I switch to HV mode, and then back to Econ, it might stop, at least temporarily.
Click to expand...
Where do you live? If it is very cold, the car will switch to HV (hybrid) mode if the battery gets cold to provide heat and prevent damage to the HV (high voltage) battery. If you park outside in the cold it seems more likely to do this, coming from an attached garage it doesn't start the engine as quick. It might also do it if you have your heater set high, but the heater in the Clarity seems efficient EV only, so I can often drive around from 5 F and not have the engine start.
 
It was 42F this morning, and I've made the same drive many times in EV mode only--even when it was in the 30s. I found it interesting that after I came to a stop at the light, I went out of and back into Econ mode, and it stayed in EV for the rest of the trip.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top