+5 average mpg boost with mini 150 watt phev setup

[oldtamiyaphile]

Ah, OK we're in the Hybrid forum.

FWIW, new cars with smart alternators (sometimes called 'micro hybrids) will also see a MPG boost from precharging the starting battery. When topped up my Fiat's alt doesn't switch on for a couple of km's.

[Cobb]

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[gone-ot]

The more ENERGY you can STORE in a LARGER battery means LESS power the alternator and/or DC-DC convertor must generate (while driving) as replenishment, especially if/when the larger battery is being RE-charged by solarcells (day) or battery-charger (night, at home).

The ONLY problem I see is the increased WEIGHT of the the larger-capacity battery, which, in Cobbs application, appears NOT to be a problem.

[Cobb]

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[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Weight seems to have little to no effect on mpg with this car. It all seems aero depended. The enginer kit was heavy enough, then I use to carry a large sub box with 2 12 inch sub woofers that weights about 75 lbs each. It seems the lower I could get the car with weight or lack of suspension the better the mpg was and less effected by speed.

...actually, you were recovering energy from inertia during decelerations.

[Cobb]

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