Option for a second hybrid battery

[MakinDoForNow]

There are many variables at play when looking at how to improve your MPG.

Temp is #1, how hot or cold is it outside? Here in Phoenix currently it's been on the colder side, with highs in the high 50s, and my MPG has declined slightly. The ICE is running longer to heat the battery and the cabin.

Terrain, not all roads are flat, and my commute (17 miles) is all city streets, going to work I average 57MPG (worse 47), and on my way home 60 (worse 53). Also how much coasting time I have makes a huge difference.

Having windows open, and sunroof. I have the sunroof and noticed a 5-7 mpg drop is I have the sunroof open (it's not open currently, too cold)

Which mode are you using? 95% of the time I'm in Eco Mode, every once in a while I'll pop it into Sport.

I've had my Maverick now for almost a year, and I feel I have a good understanding of how to maximize my MPG.

Mode varies currently 45% slippery 40% econ 12% std then some maybe 3% in low with whichever mode is active. If I am coming home after short drive and have not used truck for several days I will use low for last 2 miles or so to put extra charge into HVB then leave truck in ready status turning off AC, heat, lights, radio for 30 minutes or so to ensure 12v is well charged. With 12v draw minimized the ice may not start much if at all. Have no idea if helps or not but have never experienced deep sleep or lights, etc off conditions. RE search gpsman slippery. He has setup which can record his trips into database and somewhere posted making the same trip in same directions in each drive mode and compares mpg etc in each mode.

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[Eagle11]

Mode varies currently 45% slippery 40% econ 12% std then some maybe 3% in low with whichever mode is active. If I am coming home after short drive and have not used truck for several days I will use low for last 2 miles or so to put extra charge into HVB then leave truck in ready status turning off AC, heat, lights, radio for 30 minutes or so to ensure 12v is well charged. With 12v draw minimized the ice may not start much if at all. Have no idea if helps or not but have never experienced deep sleep or lights, etc off conditions. RE search gpsman slippery. He has setup which can record his trips into database and somewhere posted making the same trip in same directions in each drive mode and compares mpg etc in each mode.

No reason to do this, the ICE will charge the battery if needed.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

No reason to do this, the ICE will charge the battery if needed.

Is necessary when 12v soc is LOW. When I check soc and it's below 12.1 I put truck into ready state for 30-45 minutes to charge it. (No additional ice time needed to just warm things up if truck is already warm and if hvb is higher soc then an extended ready state can be held without ice starting again. If my hybrid is not started for 3-5 days the 12v soc will be down to 11.8v-12.1v. so needs ready state time (actual driving or not). At first service, I plan on having Ford install on board 12v maintainer.

 

[Eagle11]

Is necessary when 12v soc is LOW. When I check soc and it's below 12.1 I put truck into ready state for 30-45 minutes to charge it. (No additional ice time needed to just warm things up if truck is already warm and if hvb is higher soc then an extended ready state can be held without ice starting again. If my hybrid is not started for 3-5 days the 12v soc will be down to 11.8v-12.1v. so needs ready state time (actual driving or not). At first service, I plan on having Ford install on board 12v maintainer.

I find it interesting that some people can let their Mavericks park for 3-5 days and have issues, I can let mine park for 2-3 weeks and have zero issues.. I don't monitor things like you and others. Maybe that is why I don't worry about it. I mean I return from Europe, hop in the Maverick, turn it on, and drive away. NOW, when I'm gone that long, the ICE fires right up and will be on for about 10 miles (assuming its charging both the batteries)

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I find it interesting that some people can let their Mavericks park for 3-5 days and have issues, I can let mine park for 2-3 weeks and have zero issues.. I don't monitor things like you and others. Maybe that is why I don't worry about it. I mean I return from Europe, hop in the Maverick, turn it on, and drive away. NOW, when I'm gone that long, the ICE fires right up and will be on for about 10 miles (assuming its charging both the batteries)

Would be interesting to see your 12v soc after 2-3 weeks. I may check mine in 6-8 days or more and see where deep sleep occurs. I have 13k miles on daily one but only 612 miles (=124 mile per month) on the gray puppy that I got Oct 10.

Edit to add I don't have issue but have FOI (Fear Of Issue)

 

[Eagle11]

Would be interesting to see your 12v soc after 2-3 weeks. I may check mine in 6-8 days or more and see where deep sleep occurs. I have 13k miles on daily one but only 612 miles (=124 mile per month) on the gray puppy that I got Oct 10.

Edit to add I don't have issue but have FOI (Fear Of Issue)

Just rolled past 13K on mine, only one issue, "Death rattle" of course dealer couldn't diagnose it. As I stated, I don't worry about voltage.

 

[Deleted member 5597]

Why would anyone need a second battery? I think some people have way too much time on their hands.

 

[wax87]

So I was watching a YouTube video about the truck and the spokesman pointed out that it has the space and architecture for a second hybrid battery. Is this something that is likely to be an available upgrade from the dealer? He showed this graphic I will post below.

I wonder how much weight it would add and cooling complexity. Then would the disadvantages of that outweigh the increase range or increase MPG because it runs longer on electric mode... Just thinking out loud here

 

[GPSMan]

I wonder how much weight it would add and cooling complexity. Then would the disadvantages of that outweigh the increase range or increase MPG because it runs longer on electric mode... Just thinking out loud here

As stated earlier: the battery is "right sized" for general purpose for the vast majority of users.

A double sized battery could help a select few people in highly specialized conditions. Having a significant change in elevation, one-way, on a short trip, would be one case.

 

[wax87]

As stated earlier: the battery is "right sized" for general purpose for the vast majority of users.

A double sized battery could help a select few people in highly specialized conditions. Having a significant change in elevation, one-way, on a short trip, would be one case.

Exactly my point.

 

[PriusHater]

My thoughts are that if a PHEV option is added to the Maverick lineup, then the extra battery space needed is likely to be created by eliminating the under-seat storage area in the rear of the cab. Although, I am guessing even that space won't be enough for a decent EV range of 30-50 miles.

 

[GPSMan]

My thoughts are that if a PHEV option is added to the Maverick lineup, then the extra battery space needed is likely to be created by eliminating the under-seat storage area in the rear of the cab. Although, I am guessing even that space won't be enough for a decent EV range of 30-50 miles.

Under seat space, plus under floor, yea. Enough space.

 

[Timothyd]

So I was watching a YouTube video about the truck and the spokesman pointed out that it has the space and architecture for a second hybrid battery. Is this something that is likely to be an available upgrade from the dealer? He showed this graphic I will post below.

Very interesting.

 

[Eagle11]

As stated earlier: the battery is "right sized" for general purpose for the vast majority of users.

A double sized battery could help a select few people in highly specialized conditions. Having a significant change in elevation, one-way, on a short trip, would be one case.

"right size" is a huge buzz word... I think women been saying those words for decades

For those who want a bigger battery, please wait for the PHEV, you will get a battery that 14X bigger, and will allow you to drive 30 miles in EV mode or drive it like a Hybrid and get more miles. But the complexity of adding another 1.1kw battery isn't worth it in my books.

 

[mhw21zap]

Is necessary when 12v soc is LOW. When I check soc and it's below 12.1 I put truck into ready state for 30-45 minutes to charge it. (No additional ice time needed to just warm things up if truck is already warm and if hvb is higher soc then an extended ready state can be held without ice starting again. If my hybrid is not started for 3-5 days the 12v soc will be down to 11.8v-12.1v. so needs ready state time (actual driving or not). At first service, I plan on having Ford install on board 12v maintainer.

This is really a great idea. I think you're on to something. I just got a new 12v battery installed yesterday and sure enough, I woke to a deep sleep this morning (thankfully it started). While camping last weekend, I started utilizing Low Mode thinking that this would help 'top up' my charge before the cold night of sitting. What a shame that this even a necessity on a brand new vehicle in 2023..lol

However, I would love to know about what it would take to install an onboard 12V maintainer. I'd really love any insight you could provide as I'm currently trying to crash course myself into everything I can do and learn to safeguard myself.

I bought a multimeter, I bought a Noco, I am trying to utilize Low Mode now, I switch off my display screen + turn off radio and A/C each time I turn off the truck.

I am curious if getting 12V cigarette voltage meter might also provide some level of insight as well. So yeah, any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated - thank you and safe cruising!

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