[dwheat17]

Hi Everyone,

I was just hoping someone could answer the questions for me below.
=========================

I plan take a 5 hour drive on a freeway. My plan is to be in HV mode the entire way. I will be climbing up some long hills.

* Should I expect the EV range to continuously decrease?

Also, I may need to use sport mode to pass a truck or two.

* Does sport mode work if I do not have any EV range left?

* Finally, assuming I need EV range to use sport mode, should I use HV Charging mode to keep the battery at a level where I can use sport mode?

Thank you.

 

[Groves Cooke]

I think you have answered all your questions. Try it and report back. I would always try and keep some EV left in the tank.

 

[lahalte]

I came down to Fl from up north. When you are in HV mode on the highway the battery does not deplete and keeps its charge. I still had 1/2 charge after the trip as I used a bit in stops along the way.

 

[Clarity_newbie]

Hi Everyone,

I was just hoping someone could answer the questions for me below.
=========================

I plan take a 5 hour drive on a freeway. My plan is to be in HV mode the entire way. I will be climbing up some long hills.

* Should I expect the EV range to continuously decrease?

Also, I may need to use sport mode to pass a truck or two.

* Does sport mode work if I do not have any EV range left?

* Finally, assuming I need EV range to use sport mode, should I use HV Charging mode to keep the battery at a level where I can use sport mode?

Thank you.

dwheat17

HV normal mode is designed to maintain EV miles...more or less. You can expect a gradual decline over many miles...but the car can gain through Regen as well. Really depends on terrain, driving habits etc. Using HV mode on long interstate jaunts is the generally recommended approach by many.

Sport mode essentially just changes throttle response vs other modes. Provides a more aggressive driving experience. Should work fine with no EV. Works well when Clarity is placed in HV mode. Unlike other modes...In sport mode, the driver can also set Regen chevron's using paddle shifters and the Clarity will retain that level of Regen until it is changed manually or the car is turned off. This offers potentially more Regen to battery during the drive.

HV charge mode will only charge battery to around 55%. To use charge mode, EV needs to already be below that magic number. HV charge mode is unnecessary above 55% charge. The typical usage of charge mode is as a last resort because it is the least efficient. However...if the Clarity gets low on EV miles and you know hills are inevitable...some folks use charge mode to gain EV prior to ascent.

Use the KISS principal and don't over think it. Engage HV mode on interstate...use sport mode if desire...or not. If EV miles get to low for your tastes then by all means engage HV charge mode.

Hope this helps.

Good luck

 

[dwheat17]

Thanks you all for the responses. I'll report back when I am back.

 

[The Gadgeteer]

Hill climbing

I have not experimented with hills yet as I only just picked up my Clarity a few days ago but I have been reading up feverishly on the technology. I will have the opportunity in the near future to try different modes in the Pocono Mountains.

What I have gathered and what makes sense is:

HV Charge mode: is helpful *before* climbing hills *NOT* during hill climbs. This is because the engine is diverting power to charge the traction battery. Battery charging is a high priority in this mode.

HV mode: would tend to engage the engine more often to keep the battery at the current charge level. A hill climb will likely cause the engine to be needed sooner in HV than in normal or Econ since preserving the current charge level will require extra power. Presumably if the engine is on anyway it can help propell to car either by providing power to the motor or wheels. Also the assumption being if HV mode is on there is some amount of charge above 2 bars to tap into to help with the climb.

Sport mode: enhances accelerator response and probably causes the engine to engage more readily to provide more sportiness and power to the wheels. So sport mode will likely help make up for the performance lost due to climbing a hill. Performance is a priority. Likely the Clarity will allow the engine and/or electric motor to assist as needed to propell the car with charge being a secondary concern.

If anyone could help validate or expand on the above It will be a great help.

 

[Kerbe]

I think what you've written makes sense. One thing to remember, though, is that the three mode buttons are there only for those who wish to play with them: The Clarity always defaults to its "normal" mode in which it makes decisions based upon what it feels to be the most efficient use of its power sources. Below is an illustration from the Owner's Manual: