http://www.eetimes.com/design/automo...omotive-design
. . .
But the big question with any alternative powertrain car is what was the fuel economy. First off, I noticed just a slight dip (only 0.1 miles) in the remaining EV range number when I switch on the climate control. After 310.4 miles, I filled up with 5.168 gallons of gas, for a mileage of 60.1 mpg (the onboard computer pegged mileage at 59.8 mpg). If you eliminate the electric range only mileage (I charged and depelete the battery through four complete EV cycles for about 53 miles), mileage was still a very respectable 49.8 mpg.
This is a fair report with useful data.
I have read many skeptical reports about hybrids in the past from this source but I think this 'hands on' has finally gotten through. When I worked at General Electric, I tried to get a mix of early Macintosh and PCs. Sad to say, a PC bigot who in his ignorance claimed anything a Mac could do, a PC could too. It was not true but three years later, he changed his tune and became somewhat of a Mac advocate . . . after poisoning the well with his hires.
Bob Wilson
- ZVW30
