I'll try to answer some of these...


- What is the most fuel efficient speed and/or RPM for FEH?

This really depends on a lot of factors. As previously stated, they showed a linear graph of speed related to fuel efficiency. It was a straight line with the highest starting at 30mph and going down as speed increases. I asked about this because I notice a distinct "sweet spot" around 45-50mph. The graph was theoretical, "in a vacuum" type of data. In the real world, there are many factors in play such as the loads on the system (AC, lights, stereo, etc.). As these are fixed loads, they will have a larger impact when the system is at lower output (lower speeds). This concept was also addressed in the presentation. Also, that sweet spot is at somewhat of a balance point where wind resistance isn't yet so great, the ICE can generate what it needs at around/just under 2000rpm which is a 'comfortable' spot, electric assist is also able to deliver a decent amount of help, etc.

- Does switching back & forth from Drive to Low on the fly (in motion) have any negative effects on FEH?

No. It's all just software... see previous posts.

- Did they recommend specific tire pressure for FE?

The pressure they recommend (period) is what's on the door panel... 35psi on my AWD, and I think it's the same for the FWD. For legal reasons, they cannot 'recommend' anything else. When he found my tire pressure at ~40psi, the engineer mentioned that he noticed I had my tires overinflated for mileage purposes, but that Ford does not recommend inflation over the factory specified 35psi... said in a way that made it fairly clear that he had to say that.

That said, there were numbers presented (see previous post) about the effects of low tire pressure. I was actually quite surprised that the loss in MPG for tires that were at 25psi, was so slight. I would have thought mileage would take more of a hit for such underinflated tires.

- Did they recommend any specific tricks for forcing into EV mode, such as the double brake tap or switch to Low?
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- Did Ford comment on whether to use EV as much as possible, or to drive with ICE in most efficient speed range for optimum FE?

They didn't mention EV triggering methods in my session, but they did mention a few times that EV mode is great for many things, but we should remember that ALL the energy is coming from the ICE. The electric system is a great tool to re-distribute and re-cycle that energy (which is wasted in conventional vehicles), but it still all comes from gasoline. So, it's not necessarily going to save anything to stay in EV as much as possible.

- Did Ford discuss battery charge effects on lifecycle, e.g.: will there be a negative impact if draining battery prior to shut-off?

I didn't hear anything specifically addressing this, but what I found interesting is that the system essentially aims to keep the battery charge at 50%. So if you're braking and build up a charge, the system aims to use it, and if you drop below the system aims to replace it. It's not like I thought where it would charge until ~80%, or start charging once it drops to ~20%. So for example, now it makes more sense that after extensive highway driving when I would think the battery would be 'topped off' it actually takes a good amount of charge when decelerating from highway speeds. Other behavior also makes more sense with this in mind.

- Since Ford reported that with headlights on there is ~.9MPG loss, will they be using LED lights for new models that we may retrofit for 2005/2006 FEH?

No specific mention that I heard, but I think that was a question (regarding other lights) that GPS_man presented. Are they even using LEDs for car headlights? I don't know if they're bright enough for headlight use.

Finally, will this training event be held at various other locations soon?

Don't know, but what I'm certain of is that it would simply not be possible/feasible to do the same event elsewhere. 70 engineers, cutaway hybrid system & battery, numerous test/research vehicles as well as MMHs...