04-27-2007, 11:33 AM
|
|
Enthusiast
|
|
Location: Colorado Springs
Hybrids: HiHy
Posts: 25
|
|
After a month
Well, I’ve owned it for a month now so here are my observations/likes/dislikes
Dislikes –
Instruments are hard to read in direct sunlight
Instruments cannot be dimmed to a very low level – the backlight just seems to cut off
Owner’s manual is confusing
Weak heater compared to my Explorer
Controls for operating the lights and wipers are confusing
Likes –
Mileage -- I’m getting 30 – 32 mpg. 30 on my daily commute of 34 miles round trip (50 % interstate). I drove it from ColoSpgs to Breckenridge last weekend. Before I left I reset the trip computer. Round trip mileage was 32mpg (speed was 60 – 70 miles per hour) as indicated by trip computer! I’ll calculate again when I fill up. The HiHY ran on electric only from the top of Hoosier pass to Breckenridge city limits.
Power -
Space –
General wants –
I should have sprung for the limited with the wizzy display
An EV only mode (as does every one)
Driver selectable driving profiles such as city, highway, and mountain. This would allow the power management system to better optimize battery charge and mileage.
A smaller key that I could keep in my wallet as a backup.
A way to charge the main battery pack on demand.
Why you ask. I have a condo in the mountains which is at the end of a long uphill stretch. I am concerned that the main battery will have a fairly low charge state when I shut down the ICE. The HiHY will remain parked for several days in sub zero temps in the winter. I am concerned about there being enough charge to start the ICE on a 20 below morning after this time period.
|
