I just got back from a 2000-mile round trip that took me along I-40 from Oklahoma City to Phoenix. Along the way one passes the Continental Divide, and we additionally took some mountain roads with inclines/declines of up to 7%.

I learned a lot about my car on this trip (being that I only had 4000 miles on it when I left, the learning curve is still pretty vertical).

Assume you start at the bottom of a hill with a fully charged battery. Initially, the IMA will provide assist at very low power settings, say for conversation, 2000 RPM. As the battery depletes, progressively more throttle is required to get the IMA to assist such that eventually you'll notice the IMA favors charging versus assist except at very open throttle settings. With a battery charge of 1/4, I noticed that 3500-4000 RPM was required to provide assist.

I hope that makes sense.

Incidentally, I had some excellent mileage from Albuquerque to Wichita. 600 miles on one tank, 52.5 mpg at the pump. 60-65mph, cruise used in the flatter areas. Light and variable winds.

I noticed a 5mpg falloff when the sun set and the temperatures dropped.

Jason


Jason