OK, other than a PHEV kit that would reduce my gas usage to about ZERO, the perfect mod in my mind would be an ICE OFF switch. How much fuel could be saved by having a switch/button to shut off the ICE when approaching a light, coasting downhill, sitting at a light with a low SOC? I realize I "could" turn the key off, but with the brains in the Hybrid system (and the safety concerns of doing so) I shouldn't have to. I'm not talking about overriding the system, just nudging it into EV mode sooner than the computer controls would. Why not just a button that does what the computer would do if it could predict upcoming situations? I know that the light up ahead is RED and that once I hit the brakes/L that the engine will shut itself off shortly thereafter....why not let me make that choice? Same goes for coasting downhill. I know how long the hill is, I know I don't need the engine running....why make me shift to L, slow down below 40mph and go into EV mode. Just let me turn the ICE off myself.....PLEASE!

Someone out there please make this happen.

-Tim

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD
Black with Pebble interior
Premium Package with Nav & Moonroof



Current ODO: 26,152
Typical Drive: 20 min crosstown in heavy traffic (3.5mi there and back twice a day)


532 Gallons of gas saved
That's 10,642 lbs less CO2 emitted