Today I ran a test (in the interests of science of course) and intentionally ran out of fuel. Added 1/2litre of regular87, ran out again, then filled with super. All the time running in "Hold" mode. Logging with a "Bluedriver" OBD2 sensor.
Results:
It ran for at least 50kms after the "low fuel" warning.
It ran for 11kms on the 1/2litre of regular fuel. Maximum ignition timing advance was 42deg, suggesting that there is no performance loss using regular. Sounded perfect, and I'm familiar with pinking noise.
After filling with Super, maximum ignition advance was again 42deg.
First conclusion: This thing rocks on fuel economy, even in Hold mode. I'm a life-long motorcyclist and I've only owned 1 bike that used less fuel than this 1800kg car. And running on electric is a total knock-out. My routine driving is about half-gas, half-electric.
Second conclusion: I can detect no difference using regular 87 compared to recommended super. I know this has been debated to death and I will always be using super in the future, but regular seems to work just fine, as long as you use the engine regularly. Just my opinion, please read and follow your manual.
Soooo, why oh why are there not more of these on the road!? Living in Nova Scotia I have very little electric vehicle support, and I took a chance buying this in Ohio and bringing it home, but so far I'm completely amazed at the car, and am in awe of Bob Lutz and his team.
Results:
It ran for at least 50kms after the "low fuel" warning.
It ran for 11kms on the 1/2litre of regular fuel. Maximum ignition timing advance was 42deg, suggesting that there is no performance loss using regular. Sounded perfect, and I'm familiar with pinking noise.
After filling with Super, maximum ignition advance was again 42deg.
First conclusion: This thing rocks on fuel economy, even in Hold mode. I'm a life-long motorcyclist and I've only owned 1 bike that used less fuel than this 1800kg car. And running on electric is a total knock-out. My routine driving is about half-gas, half-electric.
Second conclusion: I can detect no difference using regular 87 compared to recommended super. I know this has been debated to death and I will always be using super in the future, but regular seems to work just fine, as long as you use the engine regularly. Just my opinion, please read and follow your manual.
Soooo, why oh why are there not more of these on the road!? Living in Nova Scotia I have very little electric vehicle support, and I took a chance buying this in Ohio and bringing it home, but so far I'm completely amazed at the car, and am in awe of Bob Lutz and his team.