How Driving Mode Affects The mpg.

[Aitch1]

Do any of our wise forum members know how the charging system works? Let me explain...most of my driving is around town, does this mean the auxiliary battery gets very little charge? In other words, like the old 12V batteries needed a good run now and then to fully charge, is it the same with the MG3 battery? I notice that I'm in HEV mode more often on some days and wonder whether this could be the cause. If I do an hour or so on the m'way I see the EV light up quite often. Any suggestions?

 

[Deleted member 18108]

I would imagine, that the high voltage battery plays some role in topping up the auxiliary if it detects a voltage drop.

 

[Italy]

It's obvious that the engineers at MG (like the others) put the health of the combustion engine first.
So when you start up, EVERYTHING is organised to ensure that the combustion engine reaches its ideal operating level without damaging it. You can check on the engine temperature gauge on the dashboard that EV mode will not be triggered BEFORE the target temperature is reached.
In these conditions, the outside temperature has a direct influence on the start-up of EV operation.

This is not specific to MG and all full hybrid cars operate in this way.

 

[Aitch1]

It's obvious that the engineers at MG (like the others) put the health of the combustion engine first.
So when you start up, EVERYTHING is organised to ensure that the combustion engine reaches its ideal operating level without damaging it. You can check on the engine temperature gauge on the dashboard that EV mode will not be triggered BEFORE the target temperature is reached.
In these conditions, the outside temperature has a direct influence on the start-up of EV operation.

This is not specific to MG and all full hybrid cars operate in this way.

All that seems to make sense except for the fact that my MG often starts in EV mode, from cold, for the first few miles?

 

[Italy]

The HT battery is the largest of all current full hybrid cars.
MG has used this as a selling point, driving at less than 60 km/h for, I don't know, 10 km.
You're right, in most cases, the car will start on EV, but below a certain engine AND ambient temperature, it will start on HEV to protect your combustion engine when it's needed

 

[Italy]

Finally, I think it's essential to drive with the diagram showing the engine speed , the engine(s) used and also the HT battery charge.

 

[Pine]

Do any of our wise forum members know how the charging system works? Let me explain...most of my driving is around town, does this mean the auxiliary battery gets very little charge? In other words, like the old 12V batteries needed a good run now and then to fully charge, is it the same with the MG3 battery? I notice that I'm in HEV mode more often on some days and wonder whether this could be the cause. If I do an hour or so on the m'way I see the EV light up quite often. Any suggestions?

The 12V battery is recharged by the hybrid battery when driving. Don't sit in the car listening to the radio in accessory mode, the 12V battery is not being charged in this mode so you may suffer a flat 12V battery.

 

[Aitch1]

Finally, I think it's essential to drive with the diagram showing the engine speed , the engine(s) used and also the HT battery charge.View attachment 30337

Thanks for all your replies, but I'm still not getting the full SP on this. Forgetting for the moment MG and all hybrid cars...a normal 12V battery, charging through the alternator, will need the engine/vehicle to be run on a regular basis. If you only run the vehicle on short journeys the battery will eventually need charging up via a good longish run, or by an external charger. Does the larger battery in the MG3+ behave in the same way and, consequently, affect when the car runs in EV mode? By the way, Italy, how do you get that display on your screen?

 

[Italy]

I press the screen switch on the right-hand side of the steering wheel and then scroll through the various screens.

Don't forget that the MG3 has no alternator

 

[MG Clive]

Don't forget that the MG3 has no alternator

Well I didn't know that.

 

[Aitch1]

Well I didn't know that.

Same here. But does it make a difference?

 

[Italy]

Well I didn't know that.

Yes, like the main full hybrid engines, there is no alternator, as Pine pointed out.
No alternator, no alternator problem.

It's also said that the MG3's engine is genuine Mazda. A guarantee of reliability

 

[dStan]

Where did you find info, that there is a Mazda engine inside MG3? I seriously doubt that.

 

[Italy]

Where did you find info, that there is a Mazda engine inside MG3? I seriously doubt that.

Several French forums have mentioned it..... Obviously, nothing and no-one can confirm this.

 

[evor]

Unveiling The Truth: Hybrid Cars And Their 12 Volt Batteries Explained | ShunAuto

Curious about hybrid cars and their 12-volt batteries? This comprehensive guide unveils the truth, explaining how these batteries work and their role in hybrid vehicles. Discover everything you need to know about hybrid cars and their 12-volt batteries.

shunauto.com

Quite an interesting article covering the 12v battery in hybrid cars.

 

[dStan]

Just FYI, it's AI generated article and it explains almost nothing regarding hybrid technology and it's use in recharging 12V battery, or use of an alternator in hybrid car

 

[Aitch1]

Unveiling The Truth: Hybrid Cars And Their 12 Volt Batteries Explained | ShunAuto

Curious about hybrid cars and their 12-volt batteries? This comprehensive guide unveils the truth, explaining how these batteries work and their role in hybrid vehicles. Discover everything you need to know about hybrid cars and their 12-volt batteries.

shunauto.com

Quite an interesting article covering the 12v battery in hybrid cars.

Just read this article, which argues against Italy's comment about no alternator...While the main battery pack in a hybrid car is recharged through regenerative braking and the combustion engine, the 12 volt battery is typically recharged by an alternator that is driven by the combustion engine. So, what is the truth.

 

[evor]

I think it gives an understanding of what the 12v battery is used for within the function of the car.
but heres another one that goes into more depth the truth is out there. Just don't believe it.

What Charges the 12V Battery in a Hybrid? - Redway Power™

In hybrid vehicles, the 12-volt battery plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall functionality of the vehicle. Unlike conventional cars, which rely solely on an alternator to charge the battery, hybrids use a different mechanism due to their dual power sources: the internal combustion...

www.redwaypower.com

Obviously not specific to MG3 but relevant to Hybrid technology.

 

[copilux]

Toyota Prius certainly does not have an alternator

 

[Aitch1]

I think it gives an understanding of what the 12v battery is used for within the function of the car.
but heres another one that goes into more depth the truth is out there. Just don't believe it.

What Charges the 12V Battery in a Hybrid? - Redway Power™

In hybrid vehicles, the 12-volt battery plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall functionality of the vehicle. Unlike conventional cars, which rely solely on an alternator to charge the battery, hybrids use a different mechanism due to their dual power sources: the internal combustion...

www.redwaypower.com

Obviously not specific to MG3 but relevant to Hybrid technology.

Another interesting article, evor, and this again mentions an alternator, although it does say either or. It would seem that different manufacturers use different technology in their hybrids and the only way to find a true description of the MG3+ powertrain would be from MG themselves. But this may be a closely guarded industrial secret.