Explaining how a plugin hybrid works

[howardbc]

I want to get feedback from everyone as to a simple way to explain (and hopefully educate) someone on how my FFE works. The first thing people will ask is "How far does it go?" When I tell them at least 21 miles, I find that the listener loses interest before I can explain the amazing regen process that happens after that.

 

I have tried to explain that the car initially uses part of the battery capacity to run for a minimum of 21 miles, and then it uses the regen system and the remaining battery capacity to keep the car in an electric/hybrid/charging-battery mode until the trip is over. So, what should "a part" of the battery be for the first 21 miles? Half the battery capacity? 3/4? 

 

It definitely gets their attention when I tell them that overall I am getting 81+ mpg, but really I want to educate people rather than impress them. 

 

I looked in my manual but didn't see a simple graphic or explanation to explain the plugin hybrid process. I also looked on Ford's website and did a Google search. I'm going to an event in a week where people will be looking at my car and asking questions, so I will make up a simple document (maybe with graphics if I can find any) to explain the basics of a plugin hybrid.

 

Many thanks in advance. 

[meyersnole]

Not sure there is a simple way, but this was discussed in the topic about why this car sounds loud, start reading here: http://www.fordfusionenergiforum.com/topic/1501-the-ice-is-loud/?p=9305

 

There is also a discussion here: http://www.fordfusionenergiforum.com/topic/1893-found-on-the-road-dead/?p=12366

about how the transmission is actually an eCVT which is a bit different. The link provided is for the Prius, but same concept.

Edited March 23, 2014 at 05:41 AM by meyersnole

[bjorn]

Howardbc: great topic

 

The best way I've found to explain is to say the car is two cars in one:

1. EV car for commuting and around town during the week and most weekends

2. Hybrid car for out of town and road trips that gets mileage same as my '04 Prius

 

If they want to know more, I go into numbers and how it actually works.

This is also how I think about the car, but still don't like seeing the MPG (or mpge) numbers fall when outside ev range.

[howardbc]

Thanks, bjorn. Good comments.

 

I had a 2008 Prius before I got the FFE last April. I too found the MPGs to be similar when I took a road trip last Summer. That's pretty amazing considering the FFE is 1000 lbs heavier than the Prius. 

[tseibel76]

What I have found that really gets people's attention is when I tell them how far I can go on a tank.  This seems to be what people are most interested in.  I think it also makes them realize the benefits of the car in a way they understand.  However, as discussed, this gets their attention but I'm not sure it really educates them about how the car works.  I think it does make them to start thinking that with the vast majority of their drives, they would be in all electric.