Quote:
Originally Posted by gpsman1
Alabama winters are not too cold I imagine.
What about a HV battery warmer?
Or have you added that already too!
. . .
|
I've been thinking about it but for now, I'm planning a 'tickle charger' to bring the SOC to 78% by morning. With a warm block, warm transaxle and topped off battery, my morning commute, even in cold weather, should be pretty good.
If I find evidence of cold-battery induced, fuel burn, I'll look at how to approach the problem. There are off-the-shelf, lead-acid battery warmers that could fit around the case. Alternatively, a 'hair dryer' could be used (I hate this solution!) But my studies to date indicate our fuel economy is not a strong function of the battery as long as it meets a minimum power threshold.
Most of the time, the ICE is generating the power needed and the battery just fills in the short but intense gaps. We really aren't driving an electric vehicle but rather a gas vehicle that uses electricity to keep the ICE operation efficient. That is one reason why I follow but am not desperately looking for the plug-in Prius.
I would rather see a turbo-alternator and other exhaust heat engines than a plug-in Prius. This will help us get maximum utility for the dollars burnt.
Bob Wilson