Idling vs. Short trip, turning car off and on

LadyGator

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I'm new to the EV world and recently began doing some delivery work. When being out of the car for 1-2 minutes max, is it better on range/battery life to leave the car running or turn it on and off, many times a day, or does it even make a difference? Is there a better way to do this, like turning the a/c compressor off each time the car is turned off? Wish I could make the phone as a key (PAAK) system work seamlessly in these situations as well, but hoping an update will help that. Thanks so much!
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ChasingCoral

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There is no idle. The electric motor runs when you make the vehicle move and doesn't run when you are stopped. When you are stopped, the brake is only working against gravity (unless someone pushes the car) you aren't holding back a running engine.

The real question is why do you want the car to remain on? That will help answer the best tactic. However, remember that the car has lots of safety features that will try to stop you from walking away while it is turned on. You may have to actively work to overcome those.
 
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LadyGator

LadyGator

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There is no idle. The electric motor runs when you make the vehicle move and doesn't run when you are stopped. When you are stopped, the brake is only working against gravity (unless someone pushes the car) you aren't holding back a running engine.

The real question is why do you want the car to remain on? That will help answer the best tactic. However, remember that the car has lots of safety features that will try to stop you from walking away while it is turned on. You may have to actively work to overcome those.
I dont really need/want the car on when I leave it, so I guess that answers my question. I would leave it on, if for some reason, the act of the vehicle starting and being turned off consumed more battery than simply allowing the power to remain on. I think you are right though, I dont know how it could remain on if I took my phone with me. Maybe if I also used the fob and left it inside the car.
 

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I dont really need/want the car on when I leave it, so I guess that answers my question. I would leave it on, if for some reason, the act of the vehicle starting and being turned off consumed more battery than simply allowing the power to remain on. I think you are right though, I dont know how it could remain on if I took my phone with me. Maybe if I also used the fob and left it inside the car.
The car will stay on without the fob/phone present. Assuming it operates like most other keyless ignition cars, it can be driven like that as well.
 

ChasingCoral

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I dont really need/want the car on when I leave it, so I guess that answers my question. I would leave it on, if for some reason, the act of the vehicle starting and being turned off consumed more battery than simply allowing the power to remain on. I think you are right though, I dont know how it could remain on if I took my phone with me. Maybe if I also used the fob and left it inside the car.
The simple option is just go ahead and turn the car off.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Idling vs. Short trip, turning car off and on Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 11.10.49 AM

Carrying a PaaK-enabled phone and fob at the same time can confuse the systems and is not a good idea.

If you are trying to save energy by leaving the car on, don't bother. Leaving the car on might even take more energy that the startup but over a couple of minutes the difference is trivial. You can turn the car on and off repeatedly without impacting range.

The challenge comes if you are wanting to keep the car warm or cool. Fortunately, the HVAC is pretty good in the Mach E and over a few minutes it won't matter. Pre-conditioning the car before you get to is is an option from your phone.

Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 8.32.16 AM.png
 

ChasingCoral

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The car will stay on without the fob/phone present. Assuming it operates like most other keyless ignition cars, it can be driven like that as well.
Nope. Try leaving the car running with your fob/PaaK in your pocket. It will get mad at you (yes, you can turn that alarm off if you really want to). It may then lock itself or turn itself off. It will also require the key to be present to drive off.

Try getting back in the car without your fob/Paak. It won't let you shift out of P.
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