Quote:
Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy
The Insight doesn't have an EV mode though, right? I was thinking like if I didn't use regen but instead maximized EOC coasting ability, I could just plug the battery into the grid charger to recharge.
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Would that it worked that way.
One issue with NiMH batteries is that you can't measure how much energy is in them. At all. The voltage is basically the same when they're full and empty, unlike lithium or lead-acid which have voltage proportional to their charge state. In order to keep track of what's in the battery, the Insight's computer records how much you put in every time you regen, and records how much goes out every time you assist. It does this very accurately, and can sometimes keep accurate track for years without a recalibration, especially if the battery is good. But, if you charge the battery from outside, the computer won't know it. It can recalibrate once the battery hits 100% and it detects voltage rising rapidly and the cells heating up - this is, in fact, what it does after you grid charge - but it will greatly reduce the battery's lifespan if you do this every day. Most opt for 1-3x per year. It's the lesser evil than letting the cells get out of balance.
Now, there IS a group working on an inexpensive lithium replacement over on IC. Chances are good they'll take Nissan Leaf packs and split them up, so they're a fraction of the price of the Insight's NiMH pack but with more capacity and less weight. They're working on a good battery management system right now, and on reverse-engineering the Insight's computers. You could grid charge one of those every night.
Alternately, you could just turn the hybrid system's regen and assist functions off, only using it to silently restart the engine, and EoC everywhere. However, you'll generally get much better economy if you capture as much of your forward momentum as possible when slowing down, and then use that energy again to get you back up to speed, rather than turning it into brake dust every time. Many Insight owners' original brake pads last the life of the car.
EDIT: So, with an Insight, the game changes from "how much can I keep the engine off" to "how much energy can I recapture when I have to slow down".