Series/Parallel Switch Speed

[Johny]

Under normal accelerator setting the PHEV switches from series (generator mode) to parallel mode (ICE coupled to front wheels) at about 70 km/h.
This is fine for normal driving - but, I mostly tow with the PHEV.

It has plenty not power but NOT plenty of energy. I drive out of the driveway towing about 1200kg with the PHEV fully charged and switch to CHARGE mode.
After 300km at 95km/h I am sometimes lucky to have any battery bars remaining.

The battery power is mainly consumed up hills and the pitiful generator power that the car produces in parallel mode generally does not replenish the battery.

The worst trip was just completed coming back from Gippsland Lakes to Melbourne towing a 6 meter boat. I have a feeling there was a 15km/h headwind as well.
(The boats aerodynamics are terrible.)

Often on trips, when faced with many hills, I slow down to just under 70km/h which then allows significant battery charging BUT it must annoy the hello out of cars following me. Like I said - plenty of power but not energy.

What would be really good is a hack/way to increase the series/parallel switch over point to say 85km/h.
Anyone?

[mikedufty]

You should probably ask the OP of the thread below (inventor of the PHEV Box) he seems to know a thing or two.

http://www.myoutlanderphev.com/forum/vi ... =10&t=2191

[antiscab]

How fast is the engine spinning at 70kmh?

[Johny]

Not sure - I'll measure it next time I'm in it. A day or two.