Considering the Fusion Hybrid 2014, have a few questions about e CVT

[amanoncon]

1) I was wondering whether the FFH could handle going over 80 mph (without hurting anything under the hood) and what the MPG for this would be like over 50 miles. How would driving at speeds above 80 mph in a FFH compare to doing the same in a regular Ford Fusion non-hybrid?

 

2) How exactly does the gas engine work? From what I can understand based off the forums is that there is a gas engine called "ICE?" that works to accelerate the vehicle, and that the EV mode works best to maintain the speed it is at. However, when the battery runs out of electricity, does the gas engine connect directly to the electric motor to power this "EV" mode or does the gas engine act as a generator to charge the battery to power this "EV" mode. The Honda Accord Hybrid seems very intuitive to understand; it would be nice if someone could contrast the inner workings to the Accord Hybrid's model!

 

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited February 26, 2014 by amanoncon

[corncobs]

1) Why should it hurt anything IIRC the top speed is rated in the neighborhood of 120 MPH so 80 MPH is not a problem. At least I wouldn't have one with flooring it if there was a need. Just don't expect more than 35 MPG if at all.

 

2) Your are under the right sub forum. Just read the topic #4 it explains everything about the eCVT. Under the competing products forum you will a very fine comparison write up by hybridbear.

 

Btw ICE - InternalCombustionEngine

Edited February 26, 2014 by corncobs

[amanoncon]

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone have any experiences regarding the MPG while driving above 80 mph?

[vangonebuy]

The gas engine (ICE) is the primary engine. Acceleration, Hill climbing, Heavy loads, Excess speeds load are alway the responsibility of the ICE.

While the ICE is running, It will always charge the Hi Volt battery pack until full charged.

When the Hi Volt battery is fully charged. The gas engine is even more efficient.

The electric motor will run primarily when you are Stopping, Reducing throttle speed, Maintaining a reasonable speed or light acceleration.

The electric motor and the ICE can run together to help with excessive speed and excessive acceleration as needed.

The Fusion can accelerate very well. Especially when compared to other hybrids.

The Fusion can shut off the ICE and run electric up to 80 MPH.

But, due to wind load. This is mostly contained to steep downhills or deceleration.

The eCVT is a simple variable transmission and can handle fast speeds. But eCVT may have higher RPM's at top speed. Compared to Overdrive transmission. That will hurt MPG's.

It would be equal to a non hybrid Fusion if only run at top speed.

My experience with high speed in Maine to NYC was very good.

Composed ride and mid 30's in MPG over my trip. This is no buzzy Prius.

Very little electric used except hill climbs. Where you cannot notice the gas/elec switch.

ICE has additional noise over the electric. So you do hear that.

[hybridbear]

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone have any experiences regarding the MPG while driving above 80 mph?

Not that fast, but at 75 MPH we saw about 35 MPG driving across North Dakota. At 80+ MPH I'd expect 30-32 MPG.

[B25Nut]

The biggest factor that affects your mileage at speeds above 75 mph is aerodynamic drag. This also applies to the non-hybrid Fusions. The shape of the Fusion is very efficient, which is probably the main reason it gets better mileage than the C-Max. I spent about 30 minutes at or above 80 mph this past weekend in the carpool lanes in So. Cal, which the FFH does very easily with no strain. This lowered my 41.9 average MPG for the entire 650 mile trip by probably 2 mpg.

[amanoncon]

The biggest factor that affects your mileage at speeds above 75 mph is aerodynamic drag. This also applies to the non-hybrid Fusions. The shape of the Fusion is very efficient, which is probably the main reason it gets better mileage than the C-Max. I spent about 30 minutes at or above 80 mph this past weekend in the carpool lanes in So. Cal, which the FFH does very easily with no strain. This lowered my 41.9 average MPG for the entire 650 mile trip by probably 2 mpg.

 

What speed were you driving at for the rest of the trip?

[djminfll]

The last time I drove to my in-laws, I got a late start, and 140 miles on about 85% highway, flat surface, 80mph with cruise control got me 35mpg. Going home, I wasn't in as much of a rush and kept it between 60 and 70mph, and I got 43mpg on the trip home. The trip home was only about 20 minutes longer than the trip out, and it was more relaxing driving at a slower speed.

[B25Nut]

"What speed were you driving at for the rest of the trip?"

 

I spent the rest of the time at 69-72 mph. When climbing I would let it slow to 65 mph if no one was behind me. Trying to maintain 70+ mph going up a grade is a real MPG killer. The FFH can easily do it, however.

Edited February 27, 2014 by B25Nut

[acdii]

Rule of thumb, and djminfil pretty much corroborates it, 65-70 expect 43 MPG, 75-85 expect 35 or less. I saw the same thing coming home from MN last summer with 5 people in the car.