Randy did a good job answering them, but I figured I'd share what I was told as well.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Gillman
Ford FEH Event Attendees,
Please answer the following on Ford FE feed-back:
- What is the most fuel efficient speed and/or RPM for FEH?
|
Their real world testing showed 40 miles per hour was the most efficient for their drives. As mentioned, it depends on a lot of circumstances.
Quote:
|
- Does switching back & forth from Drive to Low on the fly (in motion) have any negative effects on FEH?
|
D and L are software differences, not physical ones. You can shift at any time and any speed safely.
Quote:
|
- Did they recommend specific tire pressure for FE?
|
35 PSI for all tires, and only getting LRR tires like you've got.
Quote:
|
- Does the PCM actually "learn" a drivers style and adjust accordingly?
|
As much as they want to take credit for that, no, there's no learning for the PCM to a driver. There's break in, but no learning. They suspect that the learning is the other way, as we learn it.
Quote:
|
- Did they recommend any specific tricks for forcing into EV mode, such as the double brake tap or switch to Low?
|
You got it. They didn't mention it in the presentation, but the prototype engineer mentioned both.
Quote:
|
- Is Ford considering an EV switch, similar to Prius, where driver may have better control over EV?
|
No, but they seem to be thinking about it now, but don't get your hopes up.
Quote:
|
- 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?
|
Use EV, but don't try to be an electric car. Essentially, when it's in EV let it, when the engine kicks on, let it. Parking lots, EV. Driving 5 miles home, Hybrid.
Quote:
|
- Did Ford discuss battery charge effects on lifecycle, e.g.: will there be a negative impact if draining battery prior to shut-off?
|
Nope, it's designed to be one tough pal. In the event of a catastrophe, that's what the self jump is for. Like they said, they've been trying to kill the battery, and they've been unable to so far. (Extreme temperatures, drainage, etc.) They expect the batteries to outlive the vehicle itself.
Quote:
|
- Will updating PCM software in 2005 FEH help to increase fuel efficiency (some owners with both 2005 & 2006 say the 2006 gets better MPG)? If so, will Dealers charge for performing update?
|
Talking to the battery developer, there's no difference between the two years software wise, and it seems that our people who own both are an anomoly. Also, they spent a lot of time getting it right, and they don't think there's ever going to be a software update.
Quote:
|
- Does the fact that there are FEHs with different emissions ratings in different states have anything to do with some owners reporting things like it taking longer for engine warm-up and harder to go into EV mode than other FEH owners report?
|
Not really, no. The temp, terrain, and other factors play a very large factor in it.
Quote:
|
- Are there slight differences in FEH versions that allow for some to get better EV capability, driving for longer distances and able to drive (not coast) at higher speeds (in 35-40MPH range)?
|
Not that they mentioned. Seems they should all be the same.
Quote:
|
- 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?
|
Good question.
Quote:
Finally, will this training event be held at various other locations soon?
Thanks,
-Dan
|
They don't have any plans for doing anything this extensive that they mentioned, but the presentation may be moved around and given, or made more accessible for interested people. The response is still staggering to them, they weren't expecting the response and the people to be as knowledgable as we are, so anything is possible.
We had the engineers (like 60) there, all on their own time, doing this because they wanted to, and they're back to work on Monday.