10-30-2019, 05:22 AM | #1 |
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Driving Modes and Regen Battery Charge
Apologies if this has been covered before, I did search, honest.
I’ve driven my 330e now for the past 5 days, trying all the different driving options and how to get the best out of my battery range. Apart from the obvious “Battery Control” option where you can physically see your battery range increase when off the throttle and braking, does any other of the Hybrid driver options throw charge back into the battery as I’ve not seen anything go back in while driving although the needle (digital needle that is) does drop into the charge section on the dash. On the long runs and where I know I’ll be off the throttle and coasting (down hill etc) I quickly put it into “Battery Control” which does work as long as I remember to put it back in Hybrid so I can increase the battery range that way. So if anyone can shed some light on the above or give guidance on how you guys increase you range without stopping and charging it’ll be much appreciated. Also, the 3 pin plug in charge cable that comes with the car can take up to 16 amp (according to the manual) and currently like others I have mine set at 10amp, has anyone updated their fuse to the 16 amps?, as my electrician seems to think it’s an easy/cheap procedure to do which in theory should speed up the charge time again from the current 10 amp. I think that’s enough for the time being and thanks in advance guys Drive safe Andy |
10-30-2019, 09:14 AM | #2 |
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absolutely all modes charge battery when you lift foot from pedal and rolling or braking.
battery control is actually the mode, where your engine is used to charge battery while driving, hence more fuel is used. |
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10-30-2019, 09:21 AM | #3 | |
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to be fair, the best way, probably, is to go for the proper wall cahrger to be installed using OLVE grant of 500 gbp - this would end up costing you 280 or so, but totally worth it I would say |
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10-30-2019, 09:32 AM | #4 | |
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Any recommendations for wall chargers?, any preferred ones out there? (One’s to avoid?) |
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10-30-2019, 09:34 AM | #5 | |
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Battery Control charges as you drive is probably the reason you see the battery increase but in all other modes I try and drive as light as possible but I’ve never seen the battery range increase. I’ll keep trying or find a bloody big hill. |
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10-30-2019, 09:35 AM | #6 | |
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I would opt for 3.6kW - Charges a BMW 330e in under 3 hours Ł779.00 full price Ł279.00 with OLEV grant Price includes VAT and standard installation probably best option - to take wall charger, without cable - as cables have limited lifetime as internet learns... |
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10-30-2019, 04:08 PM | #7 | ||
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10-30-2019, 04:26 PM | #8 | ||
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Need to allow for a cable. I went for 10m 32A "premium" cable which cost about £200. You can get away with a lower power unit as the 330e can't take more than 3.6kw (takes about 3.5 hours vs. 5.5 on 3-pin) but figured a 7KW unit was more future proof for as/when we replace my wife's 2013 Golf. I would worry about drawing a 16A load from a standard mains ring, that's a big load. You'd only need a few other things on the same circuit drawing a bit of power to blow the main circuit breaker (assuming you have one). I'm not an expert but surprised an electrician recommended it. Sounds like a major fire risk... |
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10-30-2019, 04:54 PM | #10 |
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Indeed. Also depends on how your house is wired. We've got a relative new build (8 yrs old) and have about 7-8 different rings (oven, lights upstairs, lights downstairs, wall sockets upstairs, smoke detectors, the new EV charger etc) and a 100A master fuse (I think) but if you've only got a couple they'll be carrying the rest of your electricity usage. A kettle and a microwave can easily use 3.5kw + with the EV charger you'll be bouncing off your 32A limit/melting wiring/burning down the house, as David Byrne once said...
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11-03-2019, 09:30 AM | #12 |
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I went with a ChargedEV unit, they occasionally have offers on, I paid Ł149 fully installed (and the engineer did a fab job), I can configure it to take advantage of my cheap rate (5p/KWH from Octopus Energy between 12:30 and 4:30am), so really cheap to charge overnight. It's probably overkill, could use provided charger and a timeswitch but thought the offer was too good to miss and a bit of future proofing.
As for the regen charging, I have seen charge going back into the battery on "Electric" and "Hybrid" modes when i lift off the accelerator but not on "Hybrid Eco Pro" which seems messed up to me, but i'm sure there's a good reason. All three modes push power back to the battery when i brake. |
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11-03-2019, 04:24 PM | #13 |
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Hybrid Eco Pro is super cool mode - you need satnav operating with the route to the destination. it will take it into account and will use all the roundabouts etc and will adjust your speed and other stuff.
I was genuinely astonished by all that driver assistant operation in Hybrid Eco Pro |
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11-04-2019, 01:54 AM | #14 | |
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11-12-2019, 12:46 PM | #15 |
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Had a little toot of the “Sport Xtra Boost” function today, yes your MPG’s take a hit but it regenerates the battery pretty quick.
All false economy of course as you use up initially what you get back in to the battery but it’s great if you want to put a few miles back in to your battery before you get to a town etc. In the 4 miles regenerated back in to the battery my mpg’s dropped from 65 mpg’s to 57 but it was fun in doing so. |
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11-12-2019, 01:24 PM | #16 |
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The trouble with wall chargers is that they are not serviceable . If it goes A over T they will fit a replacement if it is within the guarantee period if not its another Ł450 , and thats assuming you can get another grant (Not Given) Her in the house next door is now on her 3rd in 6 years When the engineer took her last one apart (Chargemaster) the umbilical cord was in a right old mess all the cable strands twisted and one a complete break.
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