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Old 08-18-2011, 05:44 PM   #284 (permalink)
brucey
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: WV
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Pequod - '17 Subaru Outback
90 day: 22.79 mpg (US)
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I still have the system running, and have been driving with it still. As a result, I have more thoughts to give out on this:

Basically, the mileage is going to be the same at any given RPM/speed. So the best thing I've found to do is to give the E-charger full throttle, accelerate up to speed, then get it into top gear ASAP. Once that is done let off the throttle so the car is still moving, but starting to slow down. Apply power from the e-charger so it maintains speed (50 amps or so it seems to like, more continuous and it will limit itself)

That's basically how I've been driving. With some luck, I've managed some 40 MPG city runs, although once again, that's with heavy electric subsidizing. So I know it's not the most efficient way to do things. Regular seems to be in the 33~38 range for short city trips.

Compared to 18~23 I usually get for city, I'd happily call this a success. Just wish I could do more as I basically want a setup similar to the volt that can displace my city gas usage almost entirely.

OH! Also. For anyone wanting to do this from a purely (Jeremy Clarkson voice) POWERrr standpoint.. Yeah, I think I might have one of the fastest 4 cylinder N/A Outback on the planet right now. It's still not what I call fast (I've ridden a ninja 1400, and own a 600. Driven plenty of American muscle as well.) But for a daily driver it's snappy to say the least. I'll try to get a video of the 0-60 with and without the E-Charger helping.

Which reminds me, at least according to idle, with the system disarmed I see no loss in mileage over regular driving. With it armed and spinning (But doing nothing else) It seems to do a little regen (3 amps) which of course drops mileage by a few %.
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