The previous few posters are on the right track.
Good work using your intuitions.

The battery pack is smaller than you think.
The batteries are less than 200 pounds, but then there's the stainless steel case, electronics, cooling system, etc... that gives you nothing back...

While your cell phone may charge to nearly 100% each night, and drain to maybe 10% to 20% during the day... It only lasts about 2 years.
Your cell phone also charges gently ( over 1-4 hours ) and discharges even more gently ( over 12-16 hours ).

Your FEH battery charges in minutes, and dis-charges in minutes, using about 100 amps at a time ( about 100 household light bulbs, about 1000 cell phones... ) and is meant to last about 15 years! Pretty amazing in my book.

Yes.... 100% to 0% charge would give to 10 miles of electric only driving.
Who's ready to buy a new $3000 battery every 2 years? Not me.

Ford built a very good machine in my book. A very durable one.

-John

John,
I thought it was probably warranty related, I'm pretty sure these battery packs aren't going to make it 10 yrs/150K (CA) and I have my doubts about the tranny too, not to mention the ICE starter motor/interface..
About maximizing mpg's, does anybody else drive like GaryG http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350 and is it damaging or putting undue wear to drive like that, very enlightening stuff in that article...

I believe that the only parameters that the powertrain relearns after you disconnect the 12V power are to support the Onboard Diagnostic monitors:

http://www.obdii.com/drivecycleford.html

Your engine will operate slightly differently as the OBD II systems verifies that all emision control systems are within specification.

I do not believe that an automaker includes any software features that would significantly impact fuel economy, and corresponding emissions; and cause/force these levels to vary between vehicle based upon driver behavior. If a vehicle were to ever get pulled in for a in-use emissions test, the automaker would want to be confident that the test results wouldn't have degraded anymore than could be accounted for due to physical wear.

Speaking of physical wear, I believe that is the first reason people are seeing increased MPG and EV range. Besides lower friction losses in the engine, the drivetrain wears in as well, making it easier to propel the vehicle and thus requiring less power.

The other reason is that there is 'learning' going on; but instead of your car learning about how you drive, you are learning how to drive it better. :^)

If this was the case, my battery was conditioned very well before my 05 FEH had a little over 500 miles. I was working on repairing a fence and charging the battery for my cordless drill via the 120V outlet in my FEH. I forgot to turn the vehicle completely on therefore I almost completely drained my 330V battery while charging the battery for the drill. Luckily I had discovered my error before any damage was done. But I had discovered this after the charge indicator on my NAV unit revealed no voltage in the battery.

I don't think anyone would fault you for asking. But one of this forum's members have created a string explaining what happened and what he experienced when he has run out of gas. You may want to look at it if you haven't done so already as it is very informative and answered some of my questions as well.

Rich

I'm glad to see you quoting gpsman1, since he was the one I was referring to in my previous post. But there is another key element he has referred to in his posts too. He drives an 05 FED FWD model.

I'm not trying to belittle anyone, but we just need to keep these items in mind when reviewing any information.

As for the 2 mile range for battery usage in EV mode - it is also in the manual. Though it can be streched out by gliding. I've been able to pulse and glide for about 5 - 8 miles in EV mode while driving down a slight incline.