In cold temps, ICE turns on at the begining of a trip when I have plenty EV. Why?

Grille blocking is for heat retention, allowing the engine, motors, and fluids to warm up and stay that way. I didn't realize anyone was attempting to associate the battery with propulsion components in the front of the vehicle.

That being said, there is an indirect benefit to the battery when the heater is used... since cabin air is circulated through the battery compartment. But in this case, the heater wasn't on.

 

I agree about grille blocking heating the battery while ICE is on, which is useful for people driving distances greater than 10 miles. In my case, I only drive to work/ Subway/Doctor's office/etc which is less than 10 miles round trip.

 

I feel just a little dig in their! and were you twisting it a little to! Ouch!

 

My favorite tv program is Bones. She's my role model

 

Does running in Economy Mode or Normal Mode or Power Mode make a difference in the conditions under which the ICE turns on?

 

Yup.

ECO reduces the coolant threshold for when the heater triggers the engine, when in HV mode.

When in EV mode, the temp you have the heater set does.

 

Eventually someone is going to find a way to run a *safe* (like ceramic) 120 volt heater inside the cabin, to pre-heat it. That should also help the battery pack, as it uses cabin air for thermal management. In the meantime, maybe we just need to accept that it's best to run the engine at the start of Winter trips in EV mode...although that must be a real PITA for short drives.

 

Not sure anyone is saying that.

 

Tried the portable heater approach last year I bought a 200 watt heater and left it on inside my PIP it only raised the cabin temperature about 4 degrees above the outside temperature of 30 degrees. Haven't tried a 1270 watt heater but don't think that would work either

SGH-M919 ?

 

Not saying this to brag...but simply to show people what is possible with this car.

Just drove this thing for over 15 miles in EV with temps in the 20s.

 

I have been told in the past that tha ICE comes on at 37dF or below to keep the emission control equipment at a warm enough temperature to function properly.

 

apparently you haven't read this thread from the beginning

 

Are you using regen to get that much range?

 

I have done it driving <15 mph and no regen (flat terrain)

SGH-M919 ?

 

Do not know what happens in very low temps because we do not have them. However, in my 'low' temps (and I tried this down to 19 C (66 F)) when in EV mode it seems ECO mode suppresses ICE triggering completely, even if temp is set to fan on. Even front defogger didn't start the ICE.
I will try at lower temps when will have them.
Anyone else have seen this?

 

Single digits here last night. Car was timed to finish charging at 8am. Turned it on at 8:30, on-board temp sensor read 20F under the car port and the ICE fired immediately - within 1-2 seconds after power on.

 

Yup, I tried the timer, maybe warm the battery before I drive theory too, it failed for me

 

Good try, I am assuming you left the car in ready all night with the fan on low perhaps. The air would thenbe drawn thru the Battery compartment and exiting at the sides, thereby warming the HV Batteries. Be careful.

 

what?!?!? No! Car was off all night. Heater plugged into the 120 volt outlet next to the car with cord sticking through my partially closed window. Had the rear seats folded down with the oil filled heater in the center. Leaving the car in ready mode would drain the battery, thus defeating the purpose. Besides cars have poor insulation coverage due to all the windows, you would need many BTU's greater than what 15 amps equivalent BTU"s could deliver.

Maybe if there was a way to install a heater next to the traction battery, that would be more efficient than my previous method

 

You must have a lot of down hills in your area!