Ultra-aggressive EOC
 

Thanks to R.I.D.E / Gary for the inspiration, when I asked him for his impressive MPG success. He answered it was his driving style; no fancy instrument gauges, no additional air effects.

I'm trying a new ultra-aggressive EOC city driving style.

I basically "scoot" the car. Imagine how a child uses a push scooter. They push off with one foot, ride the scooter until it slows, the push off, again.

I'm testing that as an EOC driving style. I'll run the engine just enough to get the car a little above the speed limit and quickly shut off the engine and coast until the car becomes unbearably slow.

If there is traffic close behind me, I'll switch to another lane.

The ONLY time my engine is on for a substantial period of time is when idling at a stop light, which I use as an opportunity to charge the car battery. I discovered that quickly turning on/off the cabin heater fan, which will trick the alternator into beginning the charging cycle.

I suspect that this ultra-aggressive EOC method on city streets has the potential to match, if not surpass my highway MPG scores.

Will keep you posted after my next fill up.

I just started using a trickle charger to get my battery up to full charge. It took a long time for it to top off the first time (4 amp charger red-yellow-green). I can see how it has helped me to reach summertime figures in the winter. 59 mpg tonight crawling through the worst traffic of Friday afternoon. Interstate crawling at bicycle speed with secondary overflow backing up two light cycles at a couple of intersections.

WE be Coastaholics, LOL.

Idling would have probably knocked 10-15 mpg off that number.

Yeah. The toughest part of EOC is with so little engine running time does NOT give the factory alternator enough time to put back the charge used to start the car.

I'm poking around for a small solar panel. Can anyone comment about the size panel you're using and would you make the same choice?

Why not try an alternator delete, if you are going to regularly charge the battery?

Most interesting idea, Trollbait. Thanks!

From what I remember, deleting the alternator drag on the engine bumps the MPG by 10%.

I'd say I ONLY need enough battery charge to start the engine four times a day with the car being used twice a week.

I use the car so infrequently, I wonder if I can start the car with a small motorcycle or riding lawnmower battery. If so, just quick disconnect the battery from the car and charge it inside the apartment.

In my opinion, it's a big inconvenience for a little gain Doug, I doubt you'll see any benefit and get tired of charging the battery constantly.

Hmmm. In other words, it's a battle between my laziness and my cheapness.

BTW, I'm Chinese/Scottish. You couldn't put together a more frugal DNA.

Ecomodder would have more info on an alternator delete, but I do think most switch to a larger, deep cycle battery.

My last tank was my best ever. Not a fan of alternator deletes, at least in MY driving environment. Close to the 10% figure from 58 to 64.

WOW! Nice, Gary. Did you do anything different?