Ideas to prevent unnecessary ICE startups in winter and rain

A block heater will work but not for long term once unplugged.

 

The ICE will start if you turn on the cabin fan with the climate control temperature set higher than the outside temperature. You have to turn the temp way down to keep the gas engine off.

 

i wonder if the 100w 12v heater placed on thedash facing the windshield would do anything?

 

I think running the electric AC to put dry air onto the windshield is the path to follow for removing fog and condensation. Just make sure that the thermostat is set low enough to not call for heat.

Using the electric seats seems to be effective as well for passenger comfort.

An add on12v electric space heater for the cabin is somewhat limited.

 

Yes, expend valuable electric power hence shorter EV range............

 

I think these are only strategies aimed at trips that are shorter than the EV range. If you are travelling a longer distance than the EV range, firing up the ICE is probably the most effective option.

 

true, but if you can still manage the whole trip in ev, no harm no foul.

 

anyone know how "expensive" in EV miles the seat heaters typically run? can live without them in cali but i'd imagine pretty useful back east.

 

I think the method I described in the other thread, of using the AC, rear defrost and seat heaters, is about as good as it gets. It will do the job in moderate weather. But if your car is kept outdoors and it's really cold, in the 30's, you really have no choice but to let the engine warm up. I don't deal with snow, but in the coldest part of winter here, we get a thick layer of frost.

Time will tell if I can use the windshield fluid to melt it and the AC to keep the frost off. I'd rather sell my house and get one with a garage

From this morning's experience, though, using the AC/rear defrost/seat heater works, and it works faster than waiting for the engine to warm up. You just have to be sure that you set the cabin temperature to LOW, (the lowest temperature), or else the engine will start.

 

This morning was a little cooler in Sacto with our first rain. My windows stayed clear, didn't bother with heater. I ended up with 30 one min. Bars of 100mpg, coming back I must have goosed the go-pedal a bit and got a few short bars, but still took the long term mpg from 82 mpg to 88 mpg. Our winters are relatively warm, so we do not need gloves to drive. I would be interested, but not envious of any Prii commuters that must travel 30 min + in 10 to 20 degrees F .

 

I will wear a heavy winter coat.

 

50mpg doesn't do you much good if you can't see. Running the defrosters in the wet & chilly AM is unavoidable.

The heated seat does not cause the ICE to spin up so it and a coat is a "better" choice than running the heater.

 

plus, I got a sponge like thingy on a long rod like device to wipe any condensation off the windshield.

 

A squeegee also works, sponge like thingys on long rods cannot always be guaranteed.

 

sorry, not a sponge, but a little "towel" wrapped around a plastic rectangular plate with a handle on it. Squeegee works too

 

I ordered it a long time ago from PublishersClearingHouse. Couldn't find a pic of it there, so I googled it and found it here:

http://www.asseenontv.com/windshield-wonder/detail.php?p=296792

 

TY Kitty, that looks like a good idea.