Quote:
I would recommend avoiding regen when possible. The energy conversion losses (inertia to electrical to chemical and back) are still there, so its going to be more efficient to not brake/regen if possible.
Electric motors still do have an efficiency curve. It is a lot flatter than an internal combustion engine, but it does exist. Here is an example from a series wound DC electric motor.
|
I dunno man, I'm already beating the EPA EV numbers for the Volt by like 65% with no mods other than airing up the tires, and I think the regen plays a big part in that since I'm still a relative noob at driving an EV.
Do I try to avoid slowing down? Absolutely, just as any hypermiler does! But any time I
do have to slow down for any reason, the car repays me by adding a little more range.
Not sure how straight-up EVs work, but I think driving in "L" and playing the regen is really helping me beat the EPA numbers.
Wish there were more Volt drivers here! I'm pretty much winging this as I go, so I'm sure there are more effective methods than I'm using