dbsb3233
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- TimCO
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2019
- Threads
- 54
- Messages
- 9,298
- Reaction score
- 10,812
- Location
- Colorado, USA
- Vehicles
- 2021 Mustang Mach-E FE, 2023 Bronco Sport OB
- Occupation
- Retired
I've wondered what the "most optimum" speed actually is. I was guessing more like 45 MPH, but I really don't know. But I suspect the motors have a mid-range area where they have their most optimum miles/kWh result. Plus, the car is using some energy just being on, which means time is energy. So there's a little saved from that by getting there quicker.Thanks for the write-up.
I think if any of us ever find ourself in a situation where we are a little bit below the range necessary to reach the destination and there is absolutely no nearby charging possible, the best bet would likely be to exit the freeway and use surface streets to drive 25mph or slower if possible and slowly move towards the destination/charger, with maybe a plan to pull into a business where you can use the L1 mobile charger if you are really up against 0 miles of range.
I think this would apply to any EV and think slower maximizes range on EVs if I understand how they work correctly - like if someone did an experiment where they were just moving at 5-10mph, could massively beat EPA range on any EV.
Of course, practicality usually overrides that. Rarely is there a road available where we can just go a constant 45 MPH without lots of stops/starts. Even though regen is pretty efficient, it's not 100% efficient. And acceleration isn't as efficient as just maintaining speed. Meaning stop-start driving is less efficient than continuous driving of the same average speed.
While it sucks to have to do it (and sucks for others on the road), it might be better stay on the highway and just to slow to a constant 55 MPH or something rather than get off and do a ton of start/stop. That would be an interesting comparison to test out.
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