|
It has automatic motor shutoff at stops, which is good for air quality. It has regenerative braking. 15hp of electric assist on acceleration.
I wonder if you can accelerate with a light foot on electric only without the gas motor kicking in.
What speed could a 15hp electric motor bring that vehicle to without any gas assist? From a hypermiling perspective, I need a motor that will e-assist in acceleration up to about 45mph, then shut down and let me coast down to 30mph. The battery can charge on uphill runs and when I need to keep my speed up due to traffic.
If the price point is $30k in 2012, and gas prices are at $4 per gallon, I bet the grey hairs (me included) will go for it big time. I know I would rather drive a bigger car with a smoother suspension if there were no mpg penalty.
|