Hybrid Wish List - GreenHybrid

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2004, 05:27 PM

If a car manufacturer were listening, what would you want to suggest as a neat feature to have on future hybrid vehicles? What are the necessities? They could be anything from a computerized calculation to a full-blown option, and can even be things already available on some automobiles.

I'd suggest:
1) Computerized memory of all tanks, lifetime, and semi-lifetime (transfer ownership, etc)
2) Mileage calcuations for Trip A, Trip B, etc.
3) Household power outlet (we know it can be done! Where else will I put my blender?

)

Hot_Georgia_2004 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2004, 07:30 PM

I'd like to see a way to manually adjust the Assist/ratio speed if even a little.
Explanation:
In the HCH the computer activates Assist/ratio depending on load and miles per hour.
Pulling a hill over 50MPH assist will come on just below 40MPG to help out.
However pulliing the same hill below about 50 miles per hour the car chooses instead
to adjust to a higher ratio and leave Assist off.
So I am in mid hill turning about 2.5K RPM, getting mid-low 30's MPG to tackle the hill, the Assist is off and I have a mostly full battery that's not being used.
I'd have to dip around 20MPG or so to turn any assist on.
Hey! My ICE could use a little help here!

Gee, if I could only have an over-ride if even temporary!

Also,
I suppose the gas pedal was invented sometime in the 1920's. We need an update.
On the FCD, 60-80MPG is too sensetive for a foot feed to adjust reliably and especially over 80MPG. Bumps in the road, fatigue etc move your foot and there has to be a better way.
The shifter is always a great place to rest your hand.
How cool would it be to put a dial or something there so you could fine tune your MPG? B)

BTW
HCH comes standard with dual trip meters that independantly track average mileage.

Steve & family

xcel · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2004, 09:54 PM

Hi Hot_Georgia_2004:

___First off, Jason, sorry for taking this thread so far OT …

___You have got to look up Rick Reece’s throttle lock down device! I am not saying it’s for everybody but it works for him … Have you looked into the throttle strap setup that Chisight uses as well? It removes all fatigue and gives you a bit more throttle control with less of a chance at a bump causing you to shift ever so slightly as to the current throttle position. Since my drive is a bit below the threshold of pain in terms of throttle fatigue

, I try and run without shoes so as to get maximum feel of the accelerator. Again, none of these three techniques or HW will work for everyone but they work well enough to receive some very good mileage in some cases …

___Good Luck

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

Stevo12886 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2004, 01:40 PM

i was actually just thinking about that....wonder how it got done, like the disengage for emergencies, ect.

Rick Reece · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2004, 03:29 AM

For emergencies I can engage the clutch. Most of my driving is on the Interstate so I usually can see well in advance any traffic slowdowns. If you have an automatic then this product should give you the quick release. Have fun, RIck
http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/fin...fm?itemid=7401

johanerlandsson · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 08:07 PM

I would like to see Toyota manufacture a family car with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, for example the Toyota Avensis Verso. Do you get that car in the US?

The diesel should be of the new D-CAT type with particulate and NOX emissions comparable to gasoline engines.

This would allow me to continue to lessen environmental impact at the same time as getting a bigger car for my growing family!

Hurry Toyota, I need it soon!

Stevo12886 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2004, 09:20 AM

nope...we get the sienna...but its the diff between a compact van and a mini van. (and it'd probbably be the corolla versio here)

AZMerf · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-2004, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jason@Mar 31st 2004 @ 8:27 PM
Household power outlet (we know it can be done! Where else will I put my blender?

The Escape will come with a 120 volt power outlet for your blender -- or laptops for the rest of us

azwildbill2 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-2004, 07:09 PM

A Sun Roof! I love to let the air and sunshine in (In AZ only in the early morning or evening)

I don't know why the HCH or Prius do not offer this option. I think it is because of wind resitance in the HCH and the roof line in the Prius, but the Escape and Highlander will have these options and I'm sure the Lexus will also.

Çhý££ íñ thé Ãír · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2004, 12:31 AM

I would like to see a manufacturer or even aftermarket come out with a hybrid kit for those of us who would like more power and more gas milage at the same time (gee, think theres a market for that?

)

As for convenience features...I would like it if more hybrids came with a plug so we could charge them up when we're not using them. That way we have a little more electric engine-only time on the way to work in the morning. That would drasticly bring up gas milage #'s.