couple questions before buying energi

[frank]

so im looking to buy a fusion energi to replace my bmw 745 which is killing me on gas the payment is about 430 but i spend about another 400 on premium gas a month plus insurance im looking close to 1k a month for this car so i was thinking of buying the fusion energi and saving that 400 on gas but im relaizing as i read i cant make it to work on just battery power :(

 

but i have some questions for you great owners.

 

1. my work is 35 miles away half city half fwy  or i can take another route and do almost all highway i like to cruise around 80 lol but will tone it down if i need to for gas...so if im learning anything i will get around 22 miles to work running of the batteries then the motor will kick in right?

 

2. is the fusion hybrid better for my commute at 47/47?

 

3. anyone add a subwoofer to an electric vehicle? i need my music so this might be a deal breaker if i cant add a subwoofer or two without messing up anything since its an EV.

 

4. average insurance people are paying?

 

5. i read on here only the first 40k cars are getting the HOV sticker is this true? and has that limit been reached?

 

 

 

[Rhyalus]

I have a 46 mile commute, about 14 of it is local (7 in either direction on the way to the highway).  I use the EV for the local part, then hit "hybrid" mode manually for the highway part.  Don't change where you drive for the car....though you might want to re-think that 80 mph - for more than one reason.

 

The Fusion Hybrid may get better mileage, but you still get less expensive and more "green" miles with the Energi.

 

Where is "Fontana"?  In NY there is no limitation on the HOV # of vehicles.  If you are elsewhere, someone else will need to answer that question.

 

R

Edited June 28, 2013 at 10:05 AM by Rhyalus

[Russael]

It's not so much what you drive but how you drive it.  I wouldn't be surprised one bit if you dialed your highway speed back to 65 if you gained 3 - 6MPG highway travel.  I had a friend who used to fly along at 80 with an older Dodge Durango.  I told him how I putz along at 65 and usually far exceed highway EPA estimates.  Well, he tried it for a tank of gas and got over 100 MORE miles out of it.  Went from about 16mpg to around 22.  Since then, he drives the same way I do.  A non-believer converted. :)

 

If you spend 35 miles on the freeway (back and forth combined), at 80MPH, you fly down the freeway part in about 26 minutes, or 13 minutes each direction.  If you go along at 65, the same commute becomes 32 minutes, or 16 minutes in each direction.  So, is 6 additional minutes, 3 in each direction, worth the money you're spending in gas?  They do say, Time is Money (you either spend more time and save money (me me me me since I have a lot more free time than money), or save time and spend money).

 

It isn't worth it much if you treat a hybrid the same way.  Fuel economy numbers SINK like a boat anchor at higher speeds.  You will not get 47MPG with a fusion hybrid at those speeds.  You may be in the higher 30's if anything.  This includes not only highway travel, but if you're driving a sports car, I get a feeling you like throwing yourself back in the seat with the acceleration... sports cars ARE fun.  Hybrids can do that too... but again, at a cost. :)

 

Before investing in another car, my suggestion is to try changing your driving habits on your next fillup and see how far you can stretch a tank of gas.  It takes some getting used to but I think you'd be surprised.  If you can drive your BMW conservatively and get used to it, then a hybrid or PHEV will definitely benefit you a lot more if you still decide to trade up.

[jeff_h]

I would recommend the Energi, based on the route/driving information you noted.  If you are going to be driving near 80 then the 47 MPG for the hybrid will really be more like 35 (we have many threads about driving routes/styles and MPG results on the hybrid forum).  I get good MPG in my hybrid but drive for MPG meaning I try to drive smoothly and normally keep it 60-65 on the highway (unthinkinkable for many these days, I know). 

 

So based on your info I would go with the Energi and do it in the next few days to get the additional $1,000 rebate.

[pluggedin]

When I need to go to Tucson it's a 70 mile round trip, if I don't have to go east Tucson; which adds another 20 miles.

 

I live 1 mile from the freeway so I drive in EV Now (all battery) and put the car in EV Later (hybrid mode) once I enter the freeway and drive 30 miles, at 70 miles per hour, in that mode. Once I get to town and exit the freeway I put the car back in EV Now and finish up my business. Then it's back onto the freeway, EV Later @ 70 MPH, until I get about 8 miles from home. If I have around 14 miles left on the EV battery, with eight miles to go, I put the car in EV now and will generally make it home with 1 or 2 miles left; the point being that speed uses a lot of battery power fast. But sometimes I completely drain the EV battery and the car will put itself into hybrid mode before I get home...it's a guessing game.

 

Doing all the above has given me between 45-51 MPG for those trips. BTW, our freeway speed limit is 75 MPH. Hope that helps.

[larryh]

The Titanium version of the Energi already has a subwoofer if that one is acceptable to you.

 

Note that the hybrid electric motor will only work up to 62 mph.  The Energi electric motor will go up to 85 mph.  So at speeds greater than 62 mph, the Energi will still be able to switch between the ICE and EV, whereas the hybrid cannot.  I don't know how much difference that will make in mileage above 62 mph.  On my long commutes to my other home, which is 56.5 miles away, I average around 43 mpg in hybrid mode after the battery depletes over several trips.   That portion of the trip in hybrid mode is 60% Freeway (speed is 70 mph) and 40% Highway.

 

I am paying $314 every six months for car insurance.

Edited June 28, 2013 at 02:09 PM by larryh

[Russael]

I am paying $314 every six months for car insurance.

 

I hate you. :rant:

[pluggedin]

Ditto! I think I need to shop around again :superhero: .

[larryh]

For a fair comparison, the details are below for six months of coverage.  Don't worry, they make up for it in my homeowners policy.

 

A.   Bodily Injury
$250,000 each person............... $ 44
$500,000 each accident
B. Property Damage
$100,000 each accident............. $ 38
D. Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury
$250,000 each person............... $ 9
$500,000 each accident
D1. Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury
$250,000 each person............... $ 14
$500,000 each accident
E. Collision
Actual Cash Value less............. $ 88
$500 deductible
F. Comprehensive
(Other than Collision)
Actual Cash Value less............. $ 86
$250 deductible
No deductible for glass............ Incl*
G. Extended Transportation Expense
$30 per day/$900 maximum........... $ 11
I. Towing and Labor Costs
$50 per disablement................ $ 2
Q1. Personal Injury Protection......... $ 22
Non-Stacked
Subtotal for your vehicle............... $ 314
Total Premium for This Policy: $ 314
__________________________________________________________________________________

5. Information Used to Rate Your Policy
Discounts and Advantages
Safe Driver Advantage
Early Quote Advantage
Paid in Full Discount
Travelers Homeowners Customer
Travelers Umbrella Customer
New Car Discount 13 FORD FUSION TIT
Anti-Theft Discount 13 FORD FUSION TIT
 

Edited June 28, 2013 at 07:38 PM by larryh

[shaggy314]

I am paying $314 every six months for car insurance.

 

You didn't say in your above quote who the insurance is with. I'm with AAA and they are around that price and let me pay for a year at a time.

[larryh]

The insurance company is Travelers.  So it is $628 per year.

Edited June 28, 2013 at 07:38 PM by larryh

[Russael]

Mine is AAA and I'm eating about 1,100 a year for my Fusion by itself.  Michigan rates are bad.

[larryh]

Mine is AAA and I'm eating about 1,100 a year for my Fusion by itself.  Michigan rates are bad.

I think the only thing you can do is move to another state.  Looking at rankings of auto insurance cost for states, MI has the highest cost with an average rate of $2,541.   MN is number 22 with an average rate of $1,614.  The lowest average rate of $995 is in VT.

 

http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/auto_insurance_insure_property_casualty_premium_rates-27459-1.html

Edited June 28, 2013 at 08:43 PM by larryh

[Russael]

After seeing your two quotes, that's exactly what I did - started looking for how Michigan ranks for insurance.  And they're number 2 for most expensive.  Louisiana is number 1 for most expensive.  So, yeah... moving to another state isn't an option, and it's illegal to drive in MI without insurance (but yet, studies show 1 out of 5 motorists are uninsured, so 20% of Michigan residency is doing illegal activities??)  Can't wait for a 'crackdown' on uninsured motorists.

 

There were a few articles about having Michigan's no-fault insurance reformed.  Can't imagine that getting very far.

[Energized]

so im looking to buy a fusion energi to replace my bmw 745 which is killing me on gas the payment is about 430 but i spend about another 400 on premium gas a month plus insurance im looking close to 1k a month for this car so i was thinking of buying the fusion energi and saving that 400 on gas but im relaizing as i read i cant make it to work on just battery power :(

 

but i have some questions for you great owners.

 

 

 

5. i read on here only the first 40k cars are getting the HOV sticker is this true? and has that limit been reached?

 

This web site tracks how many of then 40,000 green stickers have been distributed so far in California.

 

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm

[Griff]

so im looking to buy a fusion energi to replace my bmw 745 which is killing me on gas the payment is about 430 but i spend about another 400 on premium gas a month plus insurance im looking close to 1k a month for this car so i was thinking of buying the fusion energi and saving that 400 on gas but im relaizing as i read i cant make it to work on just battery power :(

 

but i have some questions for you great owners.

 

1. my work is 35 miles away half city half fwy  or i can take another route and do almost all highway i like to cruise around 80 lol but will tone it down if i need to for gas...so if im learning anything i will get around 22 miles to work running of the batteries then the motor will kick in right?

 

2. is the fusion hybrid better for my commute at 47/47?

 

3. anyone add a subwoofer to an electric vehicle? i need my music so this might be a deal breaker if i cant add a subwoofer or two without messing up anything since its an EV.

 

4. average insurance people are paying?

 

5. i read on here only the first 40k cars are getting the HOV sticker is this true? and has that limit been reached?

I also have a similar commute. I am finding that if I use the Auto mode on the highway, it will use the electric first and then switch to hybrid just as I am hitting the morning rush slowdown. As long as I stay between 65-70, when it comes time for the rush hour slowdown, the hybrid motor will cycle between gas and electric. The regenerative braking adds a few more miles. I always exceed the total amount of electric driving my battery started with. By charging the car once I get to work and using the same process on the way home, I am averaging approximately 80mpg overall (1100 miles per tank of gas) and the electricity at work is free. So, I am only paying for half the electricity cost. Not to mention, the electric-only driving on the weekends for less than a buck, as long as you keep the total trip under 22-26miles. The Hybrid-only Fusion isn't going to get you that.

 

Try the upgraded audio in the titanium to see if you're getting enough bass. I'm satisfied enough to not need the upgrade, especially when listening to HD radio or my own music via USB or Bluetooth A2DP streaming.

My insurance probably isn't applicable. I'm old and married, have a bunch of policies. So I get lots of discounts.

 

HOV limits are state dependent.

 

Hope that helps.

[frank]

Thanks for all the great answers you have really helped i am seriously thinking about buying one there is still plenty of HOV stickers available which is a big plus and the gas money (about $300)i will be saving can be put towards a nice restomod weekend car or just in my pocket :shift:

 

if any other people want to share what they are paying for insurance please do the 2 answers are really far apart lol.

 

i still really want to know if subwoofers have a huge impact on battery or the EV in general i will try some audio forums i will post back here if i get some information for you kind folks in case anyone is interested i cant be the only young(or thinks still young) guy here :hysterical:

[jeff_h]

if any other people want to share what they are paying for insurance please do the 2 answers are really far apart lol.

 

$616 for 6 months with USAA, covers both the SE Hybrid and Titanium Energi... however rates very heavily between states, as you already noted the big swings.

[larryh]

Wouldn't the stereo system use the 12-volt battery just like a conventional car?  The Titanium audio system is 390 watts.  This is a small amount of power compared to climate control (5 kW) or propelling the car (up to 88 kW for the electric motor).

Edited June 30, 2013 at 07:03 PM by larryh

[Russael]

I'd try test driving an Energi Titanium first and trying out the audio system.  I think it sounds great as it is.  I used to have a sub in the trunk of my Focus, but I found the stock system in the Fusion to be on par.  And play some other material besides the satellite radio.  I find the audio quality of that service to be... not good, especially compared to decently encoded MP3 files or from the FM radio itself.

 

If you're looking to put even more bass on it... I don't know how much energy the converter can handle at any one time... never saw any specs.  The A/C compressor runs on high voltage while the blower motor I think still runs on 12v.  The MFT should run at 12, and all of the other electronics sans driving the car and the heater should all run at 12.  But that's all done through a DC to DC converter, taking 300v down to 12v.  As far as the capacity of that converter goes... no idea as I mentioned.  I definitely wouldn't add an additional 200 watts to it (that is the size of the powered sub I had in my last car).  Plus, you'd be sacrificing even more trunk space... there's so little as it is.

Edited June 30, 2013 at 11:08 PM by Russael

[larryh]

A subwoofer may interfere with Active Noise Cancellation.  You may have to choose between one or the other.  You can search for more info in the Fusion Hybrid forums.

[larryh]

The Titanium version of the Energi already has a subwoofer if that one is acceptable to you.

 

Note that the hybrid electric motor will only work up to 62 mph.  The Energi electric motor will go up to 85 mph.  So at speeds greater than 62 mph, the Energi will still be able to switch between the ICE and EV, whereas the hybrid cannot.  I don't know how much difference that will make in mileage above 62 mph.  On my long commutes to my other home, which is 56.5 miles away, I average around 43 mpg in hybrid mode after the battery depletes over several trips.   That portion of the trip in hybrid mode is 60% Freeway (speed is 70 mph) and 40% Highway.

 

I am paying $314 every six months for car insurance.

 

Today I decided to determine the mileage for the two segments of my commute in hybrid mode.  I reset one of the trip odometers at the start of each segment and read the MPGe it displayed at the end of the segment.  As usual, the first portion of my commute was 24.7 miles in EV mode.  I then drove a few additional miles to allow the ICE to warm up and to get past some hills.  Setting the cruise control for 70 mph on a level Freeway, the car averaged 41.0 MPGe.  For highway segment, the average was 52.1 MPGe.  So the overall average in hybrid mode was the normal 43-45 MPG.  MPGe and MPG should give the same readings in hybrid mode if the hybrid battery has the same charge before and after the trip.  I used MPGe because it takes into account the difference in the battery charge before the start and after the end of a segment so it should provide a better estimate.

Edited July 4, 2013 at 12:39 PM by larryh

[larryh]

Deleted.

Edited July 5, 2013 at 01:59 AM by larryh