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Originally Posted by Schwa
The only reason there's some sort of limit on the speed you can go in EV mode is the spin of the small motor/generator (sun gear of the PSD) so above a certain speed the engine has to turn over to prevent damage to the small motor/generator. It depends on the gear ratios used in the vehicle, and I haven't seen the details of the FEH, but you can get an idea of how this limit comes into effect using the Prius Simulator link in my signature.
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Well, that's a bit disappointing to hear. I was hoping to be able to increase the EV speeds with a hacked ROM. But if it is a physical gear issue, I guess I'm SOL.
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Originally Posted by Schwa
Another thing to consider in general with hybrids is that ALL the energy comes from the ICE, eventually. So it's not necessarily more efficient to draw power from the battery to move the vehicle (especially at higher speeds) because at some point it's going to have to fire up the ICE and replenish the battery charge.
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Well, remember that this thread is discussing a plug-in hybrid that could get electric power from the grid. (And I could make that clean energy since I plan on installing a solar power array on my roof . . . . I did so at my last house and I plan to do it again.)
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Originally Posted by Schwa
This involves more losses than simply running the ICE to generate electric power that then powers the big electric motor to move the vehicle until it's moving fast enough for the ICE to power the wheels directly.
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I'm not sure I understand that sentence. You seem to be saying that there is some minimum speed that must be obtained before the ICE can power the wheels. I don't think that is true, I think it can always power the wheels. Having the ICE generate electricity to power the electric motor for powering the car would seem very inefficient.