Best Driving Mode for Long Trips

[Newboj]

Has there been any research done to determine which driving mode is best for freeway miles? I’m planning a trip and would love to know what’s most efficient.

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[RickMachE]

They are all the same...

 

[acosmichippo]

*if* you are good about lifting and coasting to avoid regen braking, i would guess Whisper would be best (edit: since it lets you coast with no regen).

probably not a huge difference though.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

There isn’t any real difference for efficiency. Especially once you’ve reached a steady speed. The motors are going to draw the same power.
Even speeding up and slowing down… speeding up slower may draw less power, but for a longer period of time. Slowing down faster may regenerate more power, but for less time. It’s all a wash if speeds are the Same.

 

[JohnnyForensic]

Ford has stated all modes are equally efficient, as Rick mentioned. That said, “Whisper” is often touted for long highway driving because it accelerates and decelerates less aggressively and it lightens the steering. However, it’s really a personal preference, so you do you.

The best thing for efficiency is to watch your speed. The faster you go, the more resistance you hit, and the less efficient the car is overall. There’s a huge difference between 60 and 70 mph, and higher than 70 even more so.

If you start to get into trouble getting to a charger (which is getting more and more unlikely), turn off the heat, get in the right lane, and keep your speed down.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Cruise control at a speed that's safe but not passing everybody.

 

[AKgrampy]

I think the key is if you can stand to drive under the speed limit or not. Higher speeds equals less efficient no matter which mode you select.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I am always in Unbridled mode. I use the ACC a lot of the time. I seem to get the same numbers as others with the same trim level at about the same speeds. ?‍?

 

[acosmichippo]

Slowing down faster may regenerate more power, but for less time. It’s all a wash if speeds are the Same.

unless you coast to slow down vs regen. coasting will be more efficient.

 

[Newboj]

Thanks everyone this is helpful. I knew I could get a quick answer here

 

[Logal727]

Usually forward is the best mode

 

[azerik]

Cruise control at a speed that's safe but not passing everybody.

Except not using the cruise when climbing steep hills. It'll punch it to keep that speed. Unless you really want to keep that time and can afford the KW loss on investment.

 

[The Electric Duo]

All modes should be about the same for efficiency, but I use Whisper mode when I am doing long stretches with BlueCruise. It seems to me it is less aggressive on the accelerator and brake when in Whisper.

 

[ARK]

Except not using the cruise when climbing steep hills. It'll punch it to keep that speed. Unless you really want to keep that time and can afford the KW loss on investment.

That’s the sort of bad practice that creates traffic jams, slowing down for no other reason than there is a hill in front you. I’d argue there are other things to take into account than just efficiency when driving.

The 405 in LA going from the valley into the west side is a prime example of this.

 

[emichnov]

That’s the sort of bad practice that creates traffic jams, slowing down for no other reason than there is a hill in front you. I’d argue there are other things to take into account than just efficiency when driving.

x2. Don't drive inconsistently just to save a watt or 2. Be consistent, and therefore, safe.

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