Fuel use while in EV - GreenHybrid

queenfan · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 12:03 PM

I've had my '08 FEH for a week now, and I know that we're still getting used to each other. However, I've been noticing an odd thing the last couple of days: even when in EV mode, my "Miles to Empty" goes down. Sometimes my MPG go down, too. Is this normal, is this simply because I'm at only 470 miles, or do I need to talk to the dealer?
Also, my manual and the gas cap both say to use BP fuel. Is this a marketing ploy or actually important? I filled up for the first time (second tank) with BP, and it actually seems to be acting a little weirder than when using whatever the dealer put in it.
Thanks for the help!

mtberman · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by queenfan

Also, my manual and the gas cap both say to use BP fuel. Is this a marketing ploy or actually important?

Marketing Ploy

They conveniently sold all the BP stations in my area about a year ago and converted them all to Conoco. No BP for the FEH, it gets Shell.

Some say "gas is gas" but I go with Top Tier rated and try to stick to one brand.

Brady · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 01:14 PM

Regarding the Miles To Empty going down... that's just because you're rolling. Even though you're not using any gas at that exact moment, the vehicle estimates MTE based on historical MPG data. It sort of smooths out the MTE "countdown" based on miles travelled.

Also, everyone has different comfort levels with when to refuel, but I wanted to point out that I usually go past 0 MTE and have never taken more than 14 gallons of gas. So Ford is VERY conservative with that counter.

econoline · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brady

Also, everyone has different comfort levels with when to refuel, but I wanted to point out that I usually go past 0 MTE and have never taken more than 14 gallons of gas. So Ford is VERY conservative with that counter.

I think it was GaryG who pointed out that the dash MTE reads 0 when there are 1.3 gal remaining in the tank. The ScanGauge gives a true MTE reading, and I recall that 1.3 gal remaining was right on.

queenfan · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 02:24 PM

The fact that the MTE is conservative makes a lot of sense to me now, because this weekend it said 50 miles to empty, but I only could put in just over 12 gallons, and I thought that was pretty odd.
Thanks for clearing this up, and I think I'll go back to the gas my regular Escape liked--I get free gas there!

Brady · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by econoline

I think it was GaryG who pointed out that the dash MTE reads 0 when there are 1.3 gal remaining in the tank. The ScanGauge gives a true MTE reading, and I recall that 1.3 gal remaining was right on.

I think you're right. Where is Gary anyway? Did he actually quit participating in the site? I know he threatened a few times. It would be a shame because he was good at what he did.