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Old 01-16-2006, 01:07 AM
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bwilson4web bwilson4web is offline
Engineering first
 
Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 4,864
Default Re: Looking for expert advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pravus Prime
You may also want to give the Ford Escape Hybrid a try. It's got AWD, wagon sized, lots of amnenities and usefull stuff, gets at least your MPGs (And I get in good weather around 35 MPGs with AWD), and is considered by many to be fun to drive. It's AWD is called one of the best, from people who do serious off roading in snow and sand. Plus, it's not terribly expensive, about 30K gets a nicely loaded AWD hybrid.
Here is my Escape report. At the time, I was not aware of the purpose of the 12 V. automotive battery to power the vehicle control electronics. Since then, I've learned better.

In the Prius, the 12 V., lead-acid auxillary battery is much smaller than a regular battery since it doesn't have to operate a 'starter.' It is there for the lights and traditional automotive accessories that still need 12 V., high current source. Our Prius does not have an alternator but generates the 12 V. charging current from the inverter.

Bob Wilson

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Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My
other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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