How Much of an FE Hit Does Cold Weather Make? - Page 3 - GreenHybrid

cb450sc · #21 (**permalink**) 10-23-2005, 05:55 PM

I took my HCH back to the dealer and in about thirty seconds he said he had it fixed. However, the a/c still comes on when I turn on the defrost but now I can at least turn it off with the a/c button - better than nothing!

kuruma · #22 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 01:50 PM

Even in here sunny Socal my mpg took a 6% hit (from 49.4 to 46.4) when "winter" set in (yes, it actually gets into the 40s here at night in the winter.)

Here's my question: I know zip about auto mechanics, but I recall that when I lived in the frozen north, my car sometimes wouldn't start because the battery didn't operate as efficiently in the cold weather. If a hyrbid's batteries work less eficiently in cold weather, would that cause the gas engine to work less efficiently?

BadFrog · #23 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuruma

Even in here sunny Socal my mpg took a 6% hit (from 49.4 to 46.4) when "winter" set in (yes, it actually gets into the 40s here at night in the winter.)

Here's my question: I know zip about auto mechanics, but I recall that when I lived in the frozen north, my car sometimes wouldn't start because the battery didn't operate as efficiently in the cold weather. If a hyrbid's batteries work less eficiently in cold weather, would that cause the gas engine to work less efficiently?

The cold weather would not actually cause the engine to work less efficiently (once the engine is warm), however, until the battery warms up to 10-15C, the battery can not supply its maximum power to assist the engine, and also can not capture all of the regen energy available.

centrider · #24 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 03:00 PM

Hmm.

I live in Long Beach. One of my best FE was 52.6 with the temp down around +-60. On the other hand, temp at around 80 (temps are at time of fill-up). But, like you I've gone through these cool weeks and the FE seems to be beyond the ambient temp. Can't imagine why.

I've even taken my tire pressure up to 40-38.

It will be interesting to seen what my mpg will be on my cross continent trip this summer.