Hybrid performance gadgets

[3ddan]

Originally Posted by Rokeby

I think the old timers are laughing so hard that they've done major internal
organ damage and are rolling on the floor trying to activate their Life Alert.

I feel confident in predicting that the only "Hybrid Performance Gadget"
currently available that is guaranteed to help improve performance works on
the driver side of the equation.

It is the ScanGuageII. Buy it. Use it. You will get better MPG/FE.
It will actually pay for itself in time.

ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool

Save $$$, buy yours at the PriusChat store:

PriusChat Shop : ScanGauge II Scan Tool + Digital Gauges + Trip Computers [ScanGaugeII] - $159.95

What are you waiting for?

Thanks for the advice. I'm not cars or mechanics savvy. So, you save me some money.
I hope there is an honest person that actually creates something that works.

[hobbit]

There is an EV mode, in most cases it doesn't "increase your
fuel economy" unless you use it right, and it's FREE or the minor
cost of a couple of simple electric parts. Try this for the
seminal installation guide. I wouldn't recommend Coastal's
widget, because many people are having reliability problems with it.
.
The rest of it -- well, a site that can't spell its own products
right is immediately suspect in my mind. Not to mention that
what they're offering is WAY overpriced if it's any good at all.
.
_H*

[richard schumacher]

The most effective ways of improving MPGs are to drive right and keep the tires inflated:

Don't speed. As with any car MPGs fall off fast above 65 MPH or so.

- Accelerate briskly (this makes most efficient use of the engine)
- Gliding (no arrows on the "Energy" display) is better than coasting
- Coasting is better than braking
- Braking is better than stopping

Check tire pressures at least monthly. Many people inflate the original tires to 42/40 PSI front/rear because it noticeably improves MPGs.

[Doc Willie]

Originally Posted by ZC1

I feel P.T. Barnum said it best ..."There's a s......" (fill in the blank).

We need a real expert to check these things out. Where's Doc Willie when you need him?

Doc, what do you think??

ZC1

About what?

EV mode: Useful in a few limited situations.

Coastal Tech's EV switch: Unreliable. Recommend other options. IMHO of course.

Other milage performance enhancers: Ain't seen nuthin' yet worth the paper that the hype is printed on.

Scan Guage: Yes. Better insturmentation --> better driving --> better milage.

[chrisspaulding]

.
I agree Coastaltech's website lacks confidence inspiring professional appeal, however, their products and instructions make up for it in a clean, prompt way! No issues here yet with their EV switch - way better than I could have jimmy-rigged the same components.

The EV switch is good for short distances like a parking lot/driveway, and in those contexts, helpful for mpg (imo)
.

[HSVPRIUS]

I am trying the EV mode gadget. It was very inexpensive and so if it doesn't work...no big deal. I am having such fun with this car that I am not worried about $75.00.

It just plugs in to the car where, as I understand it, in Europe it is actually built into the car. It does put your car in electric only mode for short, slow jaunts. It is not useful above 33 mph. I will let you know if I end up with any better mpg than I have been getting.

[Danny Hamilton]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

. . . .Don't speed. As with any car MPGs fall off fast above 65 MPH or so. . . .

I don't think there is anything magic about 65 MPH. As with any car MPGs fall off faster as speed increases, regardless of whether the faster speed is 45 MPH, 55 MPH, 65 MPH, or 75 MPH.

[chrisspaulding]

Originally Posted by Danny Hamilton

I don't think there is anything magic about 65 MPH. As with any car MPGs fall off faster as speed increases, regardless of whether the faster speed is 45 MPH, 55 MPH, 65 MPH, or 75 MPH.

No Danny, there is a 'magic' number, but I thought it was 55 not 65.
You wil get better mpg at 55 than 45

Can't say I have any facts on this, but feeling very sure.

[Danny Hamilton]

Originally Posted by chrisspaulding

No Danny, there is a 'magic' number, but I thought it was 55 not 65.
You wil get better mpg at 55 than 45

Can't say I have any facts on this, but feeling very sure.

That hasn't been my experience with the Prius.

For that matter, take a look at the chart here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/fuel-eco...tml#post385271

There is a sharp drop off between 41 and 42, but even so 42 is still better than 43, and 40 is still better than 41. Based on various tests performed by various Prius owners here at PriusChat, the "magic number" seems to be right around 20 MPH. Anything faster or slower than that reduces MPG and the further you get from 20 MPH the worse it gets.

[slair]

Rotfttatla!!!!!