road trip observations

[JimW]

Just returned from 1100 mile trip with the family. With four adults, loaded trunk, climate at 73, and driving 75-80 on interstate, car reports 45.7 MPH (I did not verify, expect actual is less). Gas was $1.89-2.29 (Virginia).

We typically drove until the low fuel light came on, then put in 5.9-6.1 gallons. I used EV in city driving, so did a few HV charge stints on highway to return charge to 67% level.

Car was comfortable for all and worked flawlessly. Even Android Auto (running Audible app) never gave me an error message! My only complaint is the high-rev droning from the tiny engine (going across mountains) is not a pleasant sound. This is not really "angry bees", but is noticeable since I get used to ultra-quiet EV driving most of the time.

Interesting observation at a Sheetz in the middle of nowhere on I-81. It had 6 brand new Electrify America high-speed DC chargers. There were no restaurants or shopping next door, so I guess the idea is to hang out at the Sheetz for an hour while your BEV charges. It will be interesting to watch how charging networks and driver behavior develops.

 

[Thomas Mitchell]

Had a similar experience on 1400 mile Xmas holiday trip. Similar driving strategy, similar results. Overall the car is remarkably quiet (buzzy A-pillars excepted), even my Dad (Avalon driver) remarked on the quietness, but when that ICE kicks in during mountain driving you really notice it. All in all it’s a compromise we happily accept as the car is typically used by my wife as an EV around town.

I don’t find the seats very comfortable, though, Too soft on the bottom and no lumbar support. Using a small pillow for lumbar but that scoots my duff too far forward and reduces thigh support. Again, a compromise I can accept.


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[Thomas Mitchell]

There is an EF (Electrify America) station under installation (for months now) at our local Sam’s Club. I noticed all the stations are DC fast charging. There were no J-1772 plugs at all! After researching their rates online, I believe it is cheaper and more practical to HV charge the car on a road trip if desired. It’s cheaper to use gas than an EF station!


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[tim]

@Thomas, I also had the buzzing A-pillar, but the dealer was able to fix the problem with some extra padding around the speaker.

It's interesting how the quietness of EV driving shifts our expectations. After I drove the Clarity for the first month, the first time afterwards when I drove my wife's minivan, I was shocked at how noisy the minivan way. In fact, I thought there was something wrong with the minivan and wanted to take it to the dealer. However, my wife thought I was crazy.

 

[MNSteve]

@ThomasIt's interesting how the quietness of EV driving shifts our expectations. After I drove the Clarity for the first month, the first time afterwards when I drove my wife's minivan, I was shocked at how noisy the minivan was.

I have to second this observation, and it also explains why we are so sensitive to the ICE starting.

 

[Thomas Mitchell]

@Thomas, I also had the buzzing A-pillar, but the dealer was able to fix the problem with some extra padding around the speaker.

It's interesting how the quietness of EV driving shifts our expectations. After I drove the Clarity for the first month, the first time afterwards when I drove my wife's minivan, I was shocked at how noisy the minivan way. In fact, I thought there was something wrong with the minivan and wanted to take it to the dealer. However, my wife thought I was crazy.

I had the A-pillars fixed today along with getting the public charging software update. I agree that the usual quietness of these cars spoils us!


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