One of my interests is efficiency, OUTPUT / INPUT, expressed as an efficiency %. So I went to a favorite benchmark road, Brindley Mountain, a 1.1 mi (1.76 km), ~500 ft (~160 m), ~8% grade, South of Tennessee River, Route 231. Waiting for traffic to pass, pull onto the road and stop. Then floor the accelerator to climb the hill; turn around at the top, and; descend on cruise control.
CHILL MODE
Less 'frantic' driving, it still reaches the speed limit before anyone else at a light. So this is the first run:
STANDARD MODE
Not used except for benchmarks, included here:
CHILL MODE
Less 'frantic' driving, it still reaches the speed limit before anyone else at a light. So this is the first run:
- Initially the car has reduced power to avoid spinning the tires. But around 60 kph (~37 mph) the full power is not available. Then the full power kicks in, ~140 kW (~188 hp).
- Full power, climbing efficiency approaches ~98%.
- To avoid a scary curve at the top, 180 kph (112 mph).
- On the descent, the ~103% has a slight, ~1%, decrease in efficiency.
STANDARD MODE
Not used except for benchmarks, included here:
- Peak power ~220 kW (~295 hp)
- Peak velocity ~180 kph (112 mph) is also limited by the low banked curve at the top
- Efficiency ~102% does not make sense unless there is a battery or traction motor power data problem
- Descending efficiency, ~103% is about 1% less efficient than climbing suggesting the power efficiency is similar to chill mode