Jim Farley “Winter update to improve range”

[Mathington]

I just saw this on twitter and wanted to ask if anyone knows what update Jim was referring to in this Twitter post
Is this different than the heating update or something entirely new because I haven’t seen any recent update for increased winter range being discussed.

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[tannerk89]

It seems to me that it’s the eheat update for below 5*, but that one didn’t seem to state any range improvements in the documentation.

Looking forward to that Q1 Frunk button though… ?

 

[Guss-E 2021]

It is my understanding that current batteries use a liquid electrolyte resulting in a slower chemical reaction in the cold (which makes sense). I don't really see how software can overcome chemistry. I would think you improve cold weather range by better insulating the cells. Yes I suppose software can be optimized to better manage energy usage but I'd imagine you can only go so far with that approach.

This is why solid state batteries would be such a big deal (among other things). I would like to know more about just how extensive Ford's cold weather testing is. Drove while it was snowing for the first time last night and lost ACC and collision warning/assist because the sensor on the bumper got covered in snow (duh). Rather surprised Ford didn't consider that might happen.

 

[tannerk89]

It is my understanding that current batteries use a liquid electrolyte resulting in a slower chemical reaction in the cold (which makes sense). I don't really see how software can overcome chemistry. I would think you improve cold weather range by better insulating the cells. Yes I suppose software can be optimized to better manage energy usage but I'd imagine you can only go so far with that approach.

This is why solid state batteries would be such a big deal (among other things). I would like to know more about just how extensive Ford's cold weather testing is. Drove while it was snowing for the first time last night and lost ACC and collision warning/assist because the sensor on the bumper got covered in snow (duh). Rather surprised Ford didn't consider that might happen.

It’s quite a bad idea to use ACC etc when it’s snowing enough to cover the bumper in snow. It turns off for a reason, not an omission from Ford.. every mfg does this, you can’t use a sensor that’s completely blocked.

 

[generaltso]

Interesting that he said the frunk update is available at your dealer if you want it now. I’m not sure a dealer would take a Tweet as payment since there’s no CSP for it.

 

[hbirring01]

Hes taking about the update before 4.1. The release notes said something about "you will get a charge out of this one". It greatly improved my winter range.

 

[newmme]

He also said Ford would be selling fully autonomous cars in 2021.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Hes taking about the update before 4.1. The release notes said something about "you will get a charge out of this one". It greatly improved my winter range.

3.6.2. It redid how range predictions are calculated. It did nothing to actually increase range.

 

[AKgrampy]

I can share a weird thing that has taken place twice now. My car is in a heated garage and charged to 90%. I always start it to get the cabin warmed up. I have a 10 mile drive to pick up my grandkids in the morning, it is below zero and I check all my settings as I wait for the garage door to close as I leave. SOC is at 89% but I really do not check range but I have not seen it over 150 this winter. I arrive at my destination and my SOC is up to 93% and GOM is over 160. I was hoping that this was the Northern Lights somehow charging my battery while driving but now I know it is just some software manipulation! (Actually I believe battery temp factors into the SOC calc but that makes for a lousy story!)

 

[AllenXS]

I can share a weird thing that has taken place twice now. My car is in a heated garage and charged to 90%. I always start it to get the cabin warmed up. I have a 10 mile drive to pick up my grandkids in the morning, it is below zero and I check all my settings as I wait for the garage door to close as I leave. SOC is at 89% but I really do not check range but I have not seen it over 150 this winter. I arrive at my destination and my SOC is up to 93% and GOM is over 160. I was hoping that this was the Northern Lights somehow charging my battery while driving but now I know it is just some software manipulation! (Actually I believe battery temp factors into the SOC calc but that makes for a lousy story!)

Going downhill all the way?

 

[Jimrpa]

Interesting that he said the frunk update is available at your dealer if you want it now. I’m not sure a dealer would take a Tweet as payment since there’s no CSP for it.

Where did he say that? I most certainly would march into my dealer’s service department with that and ask them to call Ford ?

 

[Mach-Lee]

He’s talking about the 3.6.2 update that improved range estimates.

 

[generaltso]

Where did he say that? I most certainly would march into my dealer’s service department with that and ask them to call Ford ?

He’s talking about the 3.6.2 update that improved range estimates.

No, he's talking about the frunk update that Casey asked about. He said it's coming Q1 (yeah, right), but you can get it at your dealer if you want it right away. I guess @Jimrpa can print out this tweet and bring it to his dealer to see what they say.

 

[Jimrpa]

No, he's talking about the frunk update that Casey asked about. He said it's coming Q1 (yeah, right), but you can get it at your dealer if you want it right away. I guess @Jimrpa can print out this tweet and bring it to his dealer to see what they say.

Thanks. I found it. I actually did something I’ve never done before - I replied to that tweet asking for direct confirmation on the frunk statement. Notice how the tweet was sent at 11:00 PM on a Friday night. Monday morning should be interesting ?

 

[HuntingPudel]

Thanks. I found it. I actually did something I’ve never done before - I replied to that tweet asking for direct confirmation on the frunk statement. Notice how the tweet was sent at 11:00 PM on a Friday night. Monday morning should be interesting ?

Come on Jim. You and everyone else know that Ford has it in for you. They will never get your frunk working electronically. ??

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