Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stpik
I thought that reduced mpg in cold air was because the battery's electric output drops as the temperature does.
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Not really since the battery also 'warms up' during operation or in the summer, may be cooled by a fan. The battery is important but it is not the primary source of motive power.
The electrical parts of our hybrids solve the problem of inefficient ICE operation regions. What this means is when the ICE runs badly such as at idle or low power regions, the battery/motor can 'fill the gap' and turn off the ICE. Later, when more power is needed or the battery level is low, the ICE starts up but runs in an efficient mode.
One of the curious aspects is that a low speeds in cold temperatures, I can get better than 50 MPG after the car is warmed up. At high speeds, the car has to displace denser air, the drag increases. But once warmed up and at low speeds, the MPG greatly increases.
Bob Wilson