I asked in another thread "Do I want a CR-Z" and I'm still trying to figure it out. From what I have read on mpg threads on this forum I am going to have trouble reaching 50 mpg. To understand this I would like to know more how the hybrid system works in the CR-Z. I have gathered that it is totally different then the Prius but don't understand the bars on battery charge, how it effects mpg, how and when it chargers or how it effects performance. What mode do I need to be in?
My concern is the hills I travel over on my commute to work. Some are steep and long and I wonder how that will effect charge. Does it need to be charged before I get to the hills to achieve better mpg? What happens when I coast down the other side?
I have to work hard to achieve 34 mpg on my HHR in the summer. My morning drive is dark the 40 miles to work and with Deer, Elk, Bear, Bobcats, Coyotes and many other critters I drive slow, hardly over 50 on these two lane country roads with only two red lights and two stop signs, at 5:30 I sometimes don't stop at them being the only person on the road. Coming home after work is a different thing. I normally drive home as fast as the car will handle the curves anywhere from 60 to 90 mph looking for five-O all the way. How will all this effect mpg on a CR-Z?
My concern is the hills I travel over on my commute to work. Some are steep and long and I wonder how that will effect charge. Does it need to be charged before I get to the hills to achieve better mpg? What happens when I coast down the other side?
I have to work hard to achieve 34 mpg on my HHR in the summer. My morning drive is dark the 40 miles to work and with Deer, Elk, Bear, Bobcats, Coyotes and many other critters I drive slow, hardly over 50 on these two lane country roads with only two red lights and two stop signs, at 5:30 I sometimes don't stop at them being the only person on the road. Coming home after work is a different thing. I normally drive home as fast as the car will handle the curves anywhere from 60 to 90 mph looking for five-O all the way. How will all this effect mpg on a CR-Z?
