Prius economy sucks

[danl]

Pickjs, is it a brand new Prius? Where are you reading the 33mpg from? I can think of a few reasons for the subnormal mpg:

1/ New prius, not broken in yet. Still getting alot of friction from wheels, joints and tires.
2/ If you're reading 33mpg from the efficiency screen, that figure depends on when the counter was last reset. If you picked it up from the dealer and never hit the reset button, the number is going to probably start off very low but gradually increase to the true value over time
3/ 6 mile one way commute might be too short for optimal mpg. Considering the frigit climate in calgary, it might be that the engine doesn't fully warm up until you're practically at work. Do you typically let the car warm up?
4/ Check your tire pressure

[efusco]

Originally Posted by pickjs

my related question is that after my first 3 weeks i am averaging 33 mpg. i have a 6 mile commuter each way so there is a lot of stop and go but i would have thought it would be higher? any ideas? the weather is cold (calgary, alberta) at the moment but it has me worried as my old 98 civic was getting about the same. thanks

http://priuschat.com/forums/fuel-eco...ead-first.html
and
Stuff you can do to improve your winter mileage

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by pickjs

my related question is that after my first 3 weeks i am averaging 33 mpg. i have a 6 mile commuter each way so there is a lot of stop and go but i would have thought it would be higher? any ideas? the weather is cold (calgary, alberta) at the moment but it has me worried as my old 98 civic was getting about the same. thanks

Six miles is too short for good economy for anything other than an EV or a bicycle.

Tom

[The Tramp]

Nobody saw the clip where those AHs of Top Gear got 17.2 miles per UK gallon?

YouTube - TOYOTA Prius vs BMW M3 Sedan - fuel consumption (Top Gear)

YouTube - TOYOTA Prius vs BMW M3 Sedan - fuel consumption (Top Gear)

[dogfriend]

Didn't the jerk from Top Gear average 17 mpg in a Prius by driving it at top speed (105 mph)? You would have to drive at least 85 or 90 mph to average 22 mpg.

Edit: Doh! The Tramp beats me to it.

My lowest tank ever was 40.8 mpg (per the MFD) and that was the original tank off the dealer lot.

[bestmapman]

Originally Posted by pickjs

my related question is that after my first 3 weeks i am averaging 33 mpg. i have a 6 mile commuter each way so there is a lot of stop and go but i would have thought it would be higher? any ideas? the weather is cold (calgary, alberta) at the moment but it has me worried as my old 98 civic was getting about the same. thanks

Hi pickjs,

A 6 mile communte is not good, so you will have to work a little harder to get into the high 50's or 60's. Here are some suggestions.

1) Learn about the warm up stages and how they operate. Then you will be able to work aroung them, as the first and second 5 minutes that the car is on are the worst for fuel economy. Here is a link to learn about the stages

2) Learn how to P&G (Pulse and Glide). This technique is the most effective in maximizing fuel economy. Here is a link on P&G

3) Install an EBH (Engine Block Heater). This will allow you to start the Prius significantly ahead in the warm up procedures and timed/temperature cycles.

4) Install an EV Switch. This will allow you to P&G gefore you get to Stage 4. I have found that on short trips, using the EV switch as an engine off switch allows me to P&G in stage 2 and 3 as if I was in stage 4. Note, do not use the EV switch to drive in EV mode, as this will deplete the SOC (battery) and cause you less fuel economy as you will have to recharge the SOC at some point.

5) Install a grille block for the cold and cooler temperatures. Because the Prius engine is off a significant amount of time, it is hard to warm up. Also, after it is warmed up, the engine will quickly get cool again if a prolonged downhill or stop is encountered. The grille block helps this tremendously.

6) Buy and install a scanguage. This allows you to monitor several different items, but most importantly, water temp., RPM, IGN, and TPS.

If you can master these items, you should be able to put up high 50's or low 60's MPG. To get higher than that will require a bit more knowlegde, skill, and dedication.

[Shawn Clark]

Originally Posted by magruder

22 Miles per Gallon of What?

22 miles per Gallon of hair spray for his mullet, of course...

[darelldd]

Originally Posted by pickjs

my related question is that after my first 3 weeks i am averaging 33 mpg. i have a 6 mile commuter each way so there is a lot of stop and go but i would have thought it would be higher? any ideas?

My best idea is to try the same commute in any other gas car and report back with the mileage you get. NO car will get good mileage on short, cold trips.... except an EV, as has already been pointed out.

[The Tramp]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

Didn't the jerk from Top Gear average 17 mpg in a Prius by driving it at top speed (105 mph)?

They did not drive it at top speed, that track is slow therefore the engine was always ovverrevving but the speed was low.

I drove the car at full speed on german motorways for 400 miles, did not finish the tank (2 bars left) and recorded a pleasing 7,0 l/100 km (34 MPG)

Wonder what the BMW M3 would have done under the same condition?

[efusco]

Originally Posted by qbee42

Six miles is too short for good economy for anything other than an EV or a bicycle.

Tom

I can average 60mpg on the 5 mile run to my kids' daycare easily...even in winter if I use my EBH. And there are no less than 4 stops and up to 7 depending upon the time and traffic.