Hi Sdctcher:

___You have a nice start here and about all I want to add is the following.

___Since the Escape HEV lacks an Instantaneous, you can create one from the average by resetting the averaging FCD at predetermined points to get a clue as to what your actuals are. For example, you have that nasty climb out every day. Why not begin every day using a slightly different technique of pure EV to short interval EV and slow rpm ICE afterwards. I cannot guarantee that the slow rpm run of the ICE will provide the best FE but I will bet that it does. The physics that the hybrid and non-hybrid alike have to overcome still lead me to believe that a slower running ICE without electric assist or charging is the proper method given the losses in conversion as well as storage. Just keep resetting the averaging FCD during different phases of your commute to find out what does provide the best FE. Once out on the highway, the low RPM ICE will accomplish the highest FE of all. The Ranger is proof of point.

___In terms of taking off, once that ICE turns over in colder temps, you had better begin moving. Not revving fast mind you, just enough for the car to be moving in what you might describe as a higher gear idle. In both the Ranger and the Insight, it is not uncommon for me to be idling in third gear at 15 - 20 + miles per hour on a very a cold day from a dead start. The FE at this fast idle is in the mid 50’s/mid 60’s in the Insight and this is in below freezing temps.

___Accessories? Why bother. Where your coat, hat, and gloves until well into your commute when the ICE is well warmed up to save your average FE.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net