MG3 Hybrid+Heating Vs EV

[boatbirder]

I have owned my Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ since August and I'm approaching 4,000 miles on the clock. Residing in Aberdeenshire Scotland, I have observed as we enter the colder months (-4 degrees Celsius at the time of this posting) the vehicles (EV) seems to be less prominent. I am curious whether this hybrid vehicle is more efficient in warmer months. Recently, I've also noted a trend where, regardless of when I start the vehicle the engine activates almost immediately and has predominantly remained on during my last several trips which have ranged from 30 to 100 miles.

A few days ago while waiting at traffic lights I accidentally turned off the heating system and instantly the car entered EV mode!! I was curious and so left the heating system off for a short period and the vehicle entered EV mode on several occasions while driving from this point. A short time later while at traffic lights with the vehicle still on EV I turned the heating back on and instantly the engine fired up and remained on for the rest of my journey. I've tried turning the heating off on several occasions and the EV kicks in every time!!

I'm wondering as to whether I have a charging issue and the battery simple cant keep pace. Obviously up here in NE Scotland we only have around 6 1/2 hrs daylight at this time of year resulting in more use of lights, heating, wipers etc.

I'd be interested in any feedback or does anyone else have similar issues?

 

[mick78]

I have owned my Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ since August and I'm approaching 4,000 miles on the clock. Residing in Aberdeenshire Scotland, I have observed as we enter the colder months (-4 degrees Celsius at the time of this posting) the vehicles (EV) seems to be less prominent. I am curious whether this hybrid vehicle is more efficient in warmer months. Recently, I've also noted a trend where, regardless of when I start the vehicle the engine activates almost immediately and has predominantly remained on during my last several trips which have ranged from 30 to 100 miles.

A few days ago while waiting at traffic lights I accidentally turned off the heating system and instantly the car entered EV mode!! I was curious and so left the heating system off for a short period and the vehicle entered EV mode on several occasions while driving from this point. A short time later while at traffic lights with the vehicle still on EV I turned the heating back on and instantly the engine fired up and remained on for the rest of my journey. I've tried turning the heating off on several occasions and the EV kicks in every time!!

I'm wondering as to whether I have a charging issue and the battery simple cant keep pace. Obviously up here in NE Scotland we only have around 6 1/2 hrs daylight at this time of year resulting in more use of lights, heating, wipers etc.

I'd be interested in any feedback or does anyone else have similar issues?

The explanation is actually rather simple. The heater gets it's heat from a normal heater core like any ICE engine, so as long as heater is on, it will most of times need the engine to heat the cabin. As soon as you switch AC off, this need is no longer there thus the ICE engine can cut out way more often. Some hybrids have an additional electric heater that mitigates this, but unfortunately the MG system is not one of them, despite having it's own strengths in other situations.

 

[David38]

Only had mine 3 weeks and 200 miles, but I like you and others found much less eV operation.
I have heating set at 22°C and on Auto, other seem to think the Auto helps.

 

[David38]

Is my Auto same as your AC, mick78?

 

[evor]

Down in the lothians and I'm same not quite as cold. it runs mostly with engine 3mile journeys avg 37mpg. I'll try switching the heating off altogether see if it makes a difference. Notice though even with engine running more and generally day driving 12V battery is showing less charge.

**definitely helps switched heating completely off and EV kicked in, even drove away for first time in a while in EV mode. Don't mind cold so will see what effect it has on 12V battery.

 

[boatbirder]

Hi to all. I've now managed to find a sweet spot which now seems to provide plenty of EV moments. Once I've managed to heat the car sufficiently after a cold morning start I turn the A/C off and reduce to 22°C with the blower on 3/4. Seems to keep the vehicle at a comfortable temperature and the EV comes on regularly, even up to 45-50MPH.

 

[Italy]

In fact, I'm seeing the same phenomenon (which used to exist on my old Honda Jazz IV hybrid).

I would say that the worst situation is to drive in winter with the air conditioning on. In that case, EV periods will be rare, then an alternative is to switch on the heating fan WITHOUT the air conditioning powertrain.
For your comfort, use the heated steering wheel and seats (which do not prevent EV mode).

However, the cabin is likely to fog up fairly quickly.

 

[evor]

Wonder how economical the mg3 hybrid is. I've Just done over 2000 miles and average 49 mpg since August.
Just got this in email from Which.
The MG3 isn't in top 10 and they have reviewed it.

Real MPG: most economical cars you can buy new

What Car?'s Real MPG tests show what fuel economy you can really expect from a car. Here are the most efficient models you can currently buy in the UK

www.whatcar.com

 

[ptw]

I always use the heated seats and steering when it is really cold, but switching off the A/C is not an option as it fogs up very quickly. I think it is a bit of trial an error and what each individual prefers in terms of comfort.

 

[Pine]

Just keep the heating on Auto with the temp set to sensible level, 20 or 21°C. Once the cabin has warmed up the car will drop in and out of EV regularly.