Powertrain transitioning question

[tellmem3]

Hi all,

 

I do apologize if this has been a recent discussed question. I have a 2015 FFH. I am at about 5k miles. On occasions I've noticed somewhat abrupt transitions between the switching from gas to electric. For example, I start off in full electric mode from a stand still with light to moderate pressure on the pedal and you can feel a abrupt transition (almost like a small jump) to full gas mode along with an obvious audible change in engine speed (more like a on / off switch) Other times it's a seamless transition not felt at all... or the Gas / EV are working together in unison providing good balanced power. Is this the designed operation? What have you guys observed? Break in period still?

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

Edited August 5, 2015 by tellmem3

[Cobra348]

I'm at something over 8900 miles and have noticed that as well. TBH I believe it's normal. It's not a huge surge (or whatever you want to call it) but noticable. I can also feel when the ICE cuts out as well. I thik you get attuned to these things.

[Hybrider]

Sometimes when the ICE turns on and off, the surge reminds me of a shifting type of transmission.

[lolder]

In the 2010, you can never feel it except occasionally when coasting down through the max EV speed at about 45 mph. It's very slight then. In the 2010 it is never noticeable when torque is being produced other than occasionally when driving steadily at the max EV speed when sometimes it can be felt when it hunts between the ICE and EV.

[tellmem3]

Good to know this. Thanks guys.... It's not really a bothersome thing to me and good to know others experience similar things. It runs great otherwise and really like the mpg I'm pulling with this car.

[Texasota]

To me, the transition from EV mode to ICE is most noticeable at slow speeds (e.g. starting from a stop). Many of the reports/reviews I have read on the FFH indicate that the transition from EV to ICE is relatively smooth compared to many (most) hybrids. My 2015 FFH is my first hybrid and I have no driving experience with other hybrids.

[CCalvinN]

I also have a 2015 and have just over 13,000 miles on it. I've experienced the same thing. It's mainly noticeable at slow speeds. I've tried to 'feel' the transition when going over 45mph and have never been able to discern it without looking at the dash.

[talmy]

I also only notice this at low speeds, such as when starting/stopping. Transitions otherwise are smooth. We also have a 2007 Camry Hybrid and it behaves the same way. I'm personally amazed that these transitions are as smooth as they are.

[tellmem3]

Ahh good to know all of this. This is my first Hybrid so I think it's more like "me" breaking into how the car normally functions...haha. The overall comfort and great mpg by far outweigh the slight jump that is felt on occasions :)

[Cobra348]

Ahh good to know all of this. This is my first Hybrid so I think it's more like "me" breaking into how the car normally functions...haha. The overall comfort and great mpg by far outweigh the slight jump that is felt on occasions :)

Yup ... my thoughts exactly. With a bit over 8900 miles since mid-April I have a lifetime MPG of 45.4 right now. Most tanks are 41-46, but I have had a couple tanks over 48. These numbers are based on gas receipts at the time of purchase. For such a heavy car (as compared to a 2600 pound Fiesta), this is awesome mileage. I can easily top 40 MPG in the Fiesta but it is a lot more work to do so than with the FFH.

[md13ffhguy]

If there's a noticeable transition with my car, I've failed to notice it. It's always seemed smooth to me. I was a little fixated on the concept early on, but never detected anything other than the growl of the Atkinson, which can sometimes be abrupt.

Edited August 8, 2015 by md13ffhguy

[mwr]

I can sometimes very slightly feel a transition, but I've alwasy considerd the transition to be great, including the slightly-felt ones.

Edited August 8, 2015 by mwr

[GrySql]

The only time I feel the transition is when the system is under load, like when at idle and HVAC is on. If the HVB is low and the ICE starts I can easily feel that, but when driving I don't feel much of anything, it's pretty seamless.