Does the onboard system dynamically adjust range information based on the trip condition? For example, the presence of a bike rack will have a fixed reduction of range and it should be easy for the system to adjust its range information accordingly.
Sort of. Please understand that the "miles of range" displayed on the dash is "rated miles" and is an energy gauge, NOT an estimate of how far the car can go, except under EPA conditions. However, the car DOES update the %battery-at-the-destination estimate
in real time as you drive, when using navigation. In your bike rack case, the car would have much higher than expected energy use per mile and the %battery-at-the-destination estimate would drop as you drive, no surprise since it is based on ordinary driving conditions. If it gets too low, the car will warn you to slow down and recommend a speed. When driving with a bike rack, or in adverse conditions, it is best to charge to a higher than usual "buffer" — the estimated % charge remaining at the destination. For a typical trip in good conditions you might use 15% or 20% for a buffer. With a bike rack you might want to use 30% or 40% until you get used to the actual energy consumption.
The amount of buffer needed depends a lot on the distance of the trip leg. For a short trip leg of 50 to 80 miles, a smaller buffer is needed than a trip leg of 150 miles because you will be experiencing the increased energy consumption for a longer time in the latter case.
Road trip advice: when the energy at destination is dropping it is helpful to slow down
right away, rather than wait until you are closer to your destination and see that you aren't going to make it. That way you can slow down a little for a long time rather than have to drive 50 mph when the speed limit is 80 (as I had to do when faced with a strong headwind, because I didn't slow down soon enough). If you slow down until the %battery-at-the-destination estimate stabilizes, that gives you an idea of the speed you should drive. The exception is when you know from experience that you will make it to your destination with a safe battery level. Trust me, you will develop a "feel" for this in time.
Additionally, does the system override driver pedal input (as in forcefully optimizing acceleration and limiting top speed) when it determines that range is jeopardized?
No, the system does not force you to drive conservatively if energy is limiting unless you get to near zero, which should NEVER happen if you have been paying attention all along. One exception: in cold weather the battery power (acceleration/regen) is limited to protect the battery (not to conserve energy for a trip).
One more thing. The trip planner does take into account
elevation changes (hills) but it does not adjust for
altitude. What's the difference? Hills require energy to go up and give back energy when going down (regen). Driving at high altitude causes less aerodynamic drag — fewer air molecules to push out of the way — and leads to lower energy use per mile,
other conditions being equal. Those of us who drive at high altitude tend to get better range than the car estimates, as compared those driving at sea level. FWIW.
-experienced road warrior