Understanding my new car

afalcinelli201 · 01-10-2007, 06:51 PM

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?

IsrAmeriPrius · 01-10-2007, 07:04 PM

Read this thread.

And this one.

PA · 01-10-2007, 07:06 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?
[/b]

Wow, you got all the bars on the battery? I've been trying for 5 months!

Without knowing any more details, everything you described sounds fairly typical. Fuel efficiency sounds low compared to what I get, but it's affected by length of trip, weather, road & traffic conditions, etc. If it's been getting colder, that would explain decreased fuel efficiency.

Keep an eye on things, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just enjoy!

**Tideland Prius** · 01-10-2007, 07:36 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 03:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?
[/b]

In addition to IsrAmeriPrius' post, don't forget that it's winter time so cooler temps will hinder great FE numbers.

Also, it may sound contradicting but minimising the use of the battery actually improves FE. Why? Well eventually that battery will have to be charged. Unless you're gonna be going down the hill, chances are that the battery will be recharged by the engine which wastes fuel because of conversion changes (kinetic to potential energy in the battery and then kinetic again as you draw power from the battery).

Lastly, the computer likes the battery to be at 60% true SOC (or about 6 blue bars on the screen). If it goes up to 7 or 8 bars (green), it'll use the battery more and if it drops below 6 bars, it'll use the engine more.

chogan · 01-10-2007, 08:27 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

...and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on.
[/b]

Median MPG on greenhybrid.com is 48 but clearly will vary with type of trip and temperature. Your average sounds low to me.

I want to reinforce what Tideland said, maybe say it another way. You need to know two things.

First, the gas engine (ICE) -- any gas engine -- is inefficient when run at very low load or very high load. The efficiency gains from the Prius come mainly from avoiding running the ICE at very low or very high load. Instead of running at light load, the car just shuts off the ICE and uses electric. Instead of running at heavy load, the car runs gas and electric together. THe high-load situation -- the Prius handles that automatically, there is nothing there for you to do or think about. The only thing for you to consider is what, if anything, to do in low-load situations. Hold that thought.

Second, the round trip of energy into and out of the battery wastes about 20% of the energy.

Put those two facts together -- the ICE is only inefficient at low load, the battery-motor combo wastes 20% of the energy input to it -- and you realize that *you only come ahead, using the electric motor, when you use it to displace what would otherwise have to be a low-engine-load situation*. So, to the extent that you want to shoot for better mileage, you want to try to use the electric alone ONLY in what would otherwise have to be a low-load situation -- cruising at speed at 35 MPH, coasting downhill, cruising a parking lot.

So the general rule is this: any time you can put the ICE under adequate load, do so. Only if you can't put an adequate load on the ICE, should you try to get all-electric propulsion.

In particular, do NOT do slow extended acceleration on electric only, to see how long you can go before the ICE kicks in. It's kind of cool, I enjoy it myself occasionally, but it wastes gas. Instead, a moderate rate of acceleration will load the ICE efficiently. The right thing to do is a 1-2-3 sequence: 1) accelerate up to speed with the ICE (exactly how fast is a matter of debate), 2) flick the gas pedal to shut off the ICE, and 3) coast under electric power for as long as conditions allow.

Bottom line is that if you just drive like the cars around you, within reason, you'll get *better* mileage than if you drive with long slow electric-only accelerations. The Prius will do that 1-2-3 on its own, driven properly. You can just help it along a little by flicking the gas pedal off when you think the timing is right -- because you can anticipate the terrain and what you intend to do, but the car can't.

Anyway, that sequence -- accelerate with the ICE, flick the gas off a second to shut down the ICE, then coast -- becomes second nature after a few weeks. And it will significantly help mileage in urban/suburban settings. I'm not sure the hard-core hypermilers would call it pulse-and-glide, but that's how I refer to it.

Regarding temperature, in cold temps, the Prius will run the ICE just to give you heat in the cabin. The real hard core among us -- just don't heat the passenger cabin, period. You're warm-blooded, wear a sweater. Others take a more moderate view, and just don't turn the heater on unless you're running the ICE anyway -- on the highway, say. Works OK here in Virginia, not sure what it would do in NV. You might at least consider waiting on the heat until you've driven 5 min, if feasible, and maybe shut off the heat at long stoplights. Otherwise, it'll idle the ICE solely to produce heat, which reduces your mileage. Real cold-climate types get block heaters.

Hope this helps.

member · 01-10-2007, 10:31 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 04:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?
[/b]

Battery completely charged may not happen all the time for flat-landers.

This is probably not a lemon, the technology is sound.

Change your oil if you haven't already.

Is your A/C left on by chance?

Reset your MPG indicator each tank and keep track.

Add a block heater and start your car warm, drive normally.

My 07 has about the same number of miles, but primarily highway, and I'm seeing 43mpg average. Not bad for not broken in and mid-winter and ethanol fuel mixes. Engine block heater made a world of difference in comfort and mileage. Only 300W too. Let us know how it goes!

Beryl Octet · 01-10-2007, 10:43 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?
[/b]

Did the dealer tell you to put it in B to use the battery? B means Brake, so don't do that, use D.

JimN · 01-10-2007, 11:02 PM

Climate, terrain, and technique all play their part. Check out greenhybrid.com and look for Prii in your area to see what others are experiencing. In NJ it just got cold--freezing cold (yes, I hear the snickers from the North) and my calculated tank today was 411 miles on 7.648 gallons for 53.7mpg (lifetime now 49.5mpg). I blocked the upper half of the grill, inflated the tires, drive with as little heat (usually none) as I can stand, and try to stay 45-55mph in the slow lane (speed limit 50-55mph).

Sometimes I start thinking that maybe my car isn't normal as the battery only goes down 2 bars and is regularly green. The one thing you can say about the car is that "abnormal" is normal. After 6 months and some 8700 miles I've become comfortable enough with the car to start trying what others here have recommended. Check out the threads and you'll probably find we all had the same questions. Listen to the mechanically inclined here. If a couple of them tell you there is nothing to worry about, then stop worrying. IMHO (no offense intended) it seems the mpg condition is probably due to the driver. Once I slowed down and moved to the right lane driving is less stressful and driving the Prius is fun--and you don't get to the office any later.

hdrygas · 01-11-2007, 12:11 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vegas201 @ Jan 10 2007, 03:51 PM) [snapback]373848[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?
[/b]

Your question is valid, but very complicated. I do not know how winter temps go where you are, but a desert climate, suggest OK during the day and colder at night? This car has a very small ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) that will cool off very quickly even at a stop light. Look at all the threads on radiator blockers and block heaters for people in colder and really cold climates. If it is not very cold and the terrain is flat as I expect it to be where you are you could be driving better for milage. Remember you can not do much during warm up and on short trips. The computers are programed to get the ICE into the most efficient mode possible so, not much you will do can greatly improve milage. After the ICE is all toasty and nice there is a lot you can do. The Energy display is your guide. Once the ICE is up to temp accelerate so the mpg are in the 20 mpg range or so after the first few seconds. Once up to speed back off, coast and very gently put pressure on the gas until there are no energy flow arrows on the MFD Energy display. Read around there are many tips here. You are in a better climate than I am! When was the last time you saw snow on the ground there! Good luck

afalcinelli201 · 01-22-2007, 04:45 PM

OK, OK. I figured it out. Yes, I was heating the car and it's been below freezing at night when I've been driving. In addition, I didn't notice it until later but someone reset my trip mileage so the mpg reading was only for the last couple of times on the road. I'm actually now getting over 42 mpg. and things are fine. Thanks for all who responded.

01-10-2007, 11:02 PM	#8
JimN Certified Prius Advisor Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,237 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Climate, terrain, and technique all play their part. Check out greenhybrid.com and look for Prii in your area to see what others are experiencing. In NJ it just got cold--freezing cold (yes, I hear the snickers from the North) and my calculated tank today was 411 miles on 7.648 gallons for 53.7mpg (lifetime now 49.5mpg). I blocked the upper half of the grill, inflated the tires, drive with as little heat (usually none) as I can stand, and try to stay 45-55mph in the slow lane (speed limit 50-55mph). Sometimes I start thinking that maybe my car isn't normal as the battery only goes down 2 bars and is regularly green. The one thing you can say about the car is that "abnormal" is normal. After 6 months and some 8700 miles I've become comfortable enough with the car to start trying what others here have recommended. Check out the threads and you'll probably find we all had the same questions. Listen to the mechanically inclined here. If a couple of them tell you there is nothing to worry about, then stop worrying. IMHO (no offense intended) it seems the mpg condition is probably due to the driver. Once I slowed down and moved to the right lane driving is less stressful and driving the Prius is fun--and you don't get to the office any later. __________________ 2006 Magnetic Gray "Spirit Queen" TP 45, Blocked grill, Toyota rear bumper applique, VentureShield panels: Hood, bumper & headlights 2000 Intrigue "Lil Deuce Coupe" 1999 EV-1 Range 220 miles 2000 Precept diesel-electric hybrid 80mpg The reason I own a Prius. Thank you, GM.

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01-10-2007, 06:51 PM	#1
afalcinelli201 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2007 prius pk#1. I've enjoyed it a lot but I'm left with some questions. I understand that eventhough it stated on the sticker 58hwy\60city that is based on an inaccurate something or other. What I don't understand is that I have been filling up every 400 miles and each time I do, my mpg gets less and less. Right now I'm getting less than 35mpg according to the screen and I've only put 1378mi. on it. I've noticed that the elec. motor hardly ever runs on its own and when I start from a dead stop, the elec. motor, when engaged, will only get up to 15mph before the engine kicks on. I tried airing the tires to 42\40 because I saw that in other posts was a way to increase fuel economy but still nothing. I'm not a crazy driver and I drive the way I was told would get the maximum fuel efficiency. I've also notice that my battery has only once, for a very short time, ever been charged to the top (All green on the screen). Is that right? I guess what this really all comes down to is that I've been sold a few lemons in the past and I am leary of the technology in this one. Am I just over thinking all this or should I take the car back to the dealership and have them take a look at it?

01-10-2007, 07:04 PM	#2
IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,335 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Read this thread. And this one.

01-22-2007, 04:45 PM	#10
afalcinelli201 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	OK, OK. I figured it out. Yes, I was heating the car and it's been below freezing at night when I've been driving. In addition, I didn't notice it until later but someone reset my trip mileage so the mpg reading was only for the last couple of times on the road. I'm actually now getting over 42 mpg. and things are fine. Thanks for all who responded.