Quote:
Originally Posted by foxpaws
Doesn't the ICE mostly just recharge the batteries when it is running - I am not sure but I don't think the ICE rarely powers the wheels directly.
Have you surprised anyone yet? Many times at the grocery store someone is standing by the car and believe it is off - they are quite surprised as it starts to move - most see the badge on the side and give me a thumbs up.
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Yes, I've surprised some people. You really have to watch out for them.
The ICE powers the generator when it's running. It won't recharge the batteries, the power goes straight to the traction motor.
The ICE actually does power the wheels more or less directly under extreme circumstances.
The car has four power modes:
battery to traction motor
ICE to traction motor
battery to generator/motor+traction motor
ICE to generator/motor+traction motor.
The first two are used 90+ percent of the time. In mountains or speeds over 70 MPH the generator/motor begins acting like a motor and assists the main traction motor in turning the wheels. Since the ICE is connected directly to the generator/motor, when the battery is depleted and the ICE comes on, it too is connected to the wheels.