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Old 05-18-2009, 09:22 PM   #6 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,515

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 52.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,062
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Wow - that's quite the trade!

My sister has one, which I've driven a bit, so I think I can tackle some of your questions:

Quote:
Originally Posted by trikkonceptz View Post
Is it normal for the electric motor to whine when not in use? Once it is engaged through regen braking or in E Mode it goes silent.
I don't recall hearing the motor when NOT in use. But it definitely makes a very faint electronic whine when propelling or regen..ning.

Quote:
-So far the best cruising range I have gotten from E Mode is 3 miles, is that normal?
That's sounds above average. I've read you can expect 2-3 km.

Keep in mind you'll get your best mileage, ironically, by minimizing use both of electric drive and regen. (Which requires some serious eco-driving effort.)

Quote:
The batteries tend to discharge quickly when in E mode but recharge just as fast, therefore I'm guessing that is normal.
Sounds normal. EV mode is meant to be used sparingly though - repeatedly exhausting the battery will shorten its life.

Quote:
Any tips on what I can do that will not permanently alter the vehicle?
I think I'd start with ... block heater.
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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