Why Don't I Get The EPA Mileage?

[Genoz World]

thanks efusco, your article is very easy to understand.....i realized that i've been driving my prius just like a gas car, not smart.

I would like to understand the pulse and glide/warp speed concept a little more, i have read wayne's article but i dont comprehend it clearly. i need more of a "do this, then do that" explanation.....but to make this very specific, i am not insulting wayne here, i just dont get the specifics.

since i have driven the 170+ miles, i'm gonna do it the old fashioned way, i'm gonna just fill up the tank and figure out the mpg (the tank was filled when i purchased the car), and i'll post it here. i figure it's somewhat important because there are some people going to the prius for the FIRST time, just like myself from a gas guzzler.....this is my real world conditions here in southern california.

cheers!

[efusco]

Originally Posted by Genoz World

thanks efusco, your article is very easy to understand.....i realized that i've been driving my prius just like a gas car, not smart.

I would like to understand the pulse and glide/warp speed concept a little more, i have read wayne's article but i dont comprehend it clearly. i need more of a "do this, then do that" explanation.....but to make this very specific, i am not insulting wayne here, i just dont get the specifics.

since i have driven the 170+ miles, i'm gonna do it the old fashioned way, i'm gonna just fill up the tank and figure out the mpg (the tank was filled when i purchased the car), and i'll post it here. i figure it's somewhat important because there are some people going to the prius for the FIRST time, just like myself from a gas guzzler.....this is my real world conditions here in southern california.

cheers!

Nah, don't fill it up...just drive out the tank. You'll find that the MFD MPG on a tank by tank basis is much more accurate than any single fill up. While over the course of a lifetime your calculated averages may be better overall the difference will be less than 2%.

Also, don't worry about Pulse and glide...just become familiar with the car. Learn to anticipate it's behavior. Read the 5 stages of hybrid operation article (should be here in the knowledge base somewhere)...it'll give you a bit more insight into how the car will behave at different times.

Seriously, you're worrying way too much way too early into your life with the car. Just drive it for now, get a feel for it. This spring/summer after you've got a couple thousand miles and really start itching for 50-60-70mpg tanks and you know how to feather into a glide and such come on back and we can hand-hold you through P&G and the finer details of hypermiling.

[wheck5]

Last week I took delivery on my 2008 Magnetic Grey Metallic Prius and so far I think it is a great car. It may be a little too early to tell but I don't regret the down sizing from my 2002 Lexus. I am looking for hints/tips for breaking in my new Prius. This forum and articles like the above are very helpful !!

Thank you in advance for any suggestions and/or advice anyone might have.

Bill

[LEILANI]

Efusco and Tideland (and Barb from Chicago!),

Your info has GREATLY helped me! I have been considering my driving techniques each day wondering what I am doing incorrectly, and think I can finally see the light. It isn't all me! My winter temps in MN are similar to Barb's in Chicago; the info on engine block heater for next year will be VERY helpful, and the information regarding premium gas not needed, and my 3 mile commute not being the perfect mileage predictor are ALL great news to me. You people are good to have around. THANKS!

[safarigrl]

Thanks for the article. WEALTH of info. Just got mine Saturday and the dealer wasn't feeling the need to spend that much time coaching me on the tips. "Hey...if you don't want it...I'll sell that thing in 5 minutes for $2500 over invoice" Ahhh, the love you receive when the product is in SUCH high demand.

[driverx]

I have a similar problem. I used to have 04 prius with avg 48mpg. With my 06, I barely get 40mpg. It seems like my MPG is getting worse.

I think my 06 MFD gives pessimistic mpg compare to 04???? Do you think perhaps, my battery is going bad?

[kazots]

I didn't realize the temp factor. It was a very interesting article.

[gry]

We just brought home our 2009 and I wish we read this site more...

18th post:

"A short 10 or 15 minute trip is going to be low. A 1 mile trip to the store painful. "

This is my wife's daily commute with our kid.

[moosedude]

Originally Posted by markderail

Honorable Mention : The High Mileage Club

....

However, like me, you get a hybrid anyways, pay it off, then do an Plug-In w/EV-15 or EV-30. Then in my scenario a tank of gas could possibly last months w/o heating or w/o A/C.

My low yearly mileage below 10,000 a year means that when paid for, I still have over 10 years of use before I possibly need to repair/fix anything

Buying and converting a Prius to Plug-In + EV-30 is currently cheaper than getting a full electric car capable of highway speeds and can seat five adults.
(At least until possibly 2012 when we start seeing some serious competition)

I am a Newbie Prius owner. I got the Spectra Blue 2008 Package 2. What are the EV-15 and EV-30?

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by moosedude

I am a Newbie Prius owner. I got the Spectra Blue 2008 Package 2. What are the EV-15 and EV-30?

They refer to after-market modifications of the Prius which increase the size of the battery, thereby increasing Electric Vehicle (EV) range.

Tom