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This is what it's all about

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by mikewithaprius, Jan 27, 2011.

  1. mikewithaprius

    mikewithaprius New Member

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    All the stop lights lined up, no one was on my tail (too much) - 2.3 miles without a drop of gas, gliding and the occasional light electric engine to keep the momentum as needed. Sooo nice!

    [ame="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=1250+East+Main+Road,+Middletown,+RI&daddr=Christmas+Tree+Shops,+Middletown,+RI&hl=en&geocode=FeDPeQIdwI7A-ylpLyAAXanliTHnnO1_vqI-6w%3BFRyAeQIdZg7A-yG8L_1cY0CxgQ&mra=prev&sll=41.527245,-71.28295&sspn=0.036626,0.077333&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=14"]The map[/ame].
     
    #1 mikewithaprius, Jan 27, 2011
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    My Garmin map shows a descent of about 175 feet, greatly boosting your effort.

    Of course a regular nonhybrid wastes most of that gravity assist.
     
    #2 fuzzy1, Jan 27, 2011
  3. mikewithaprius

    mikewithaprius New Member

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    Yeah, that's why that's such a sweet spot (it was gravity's fault, not mine!). There are actually moderate uphills hidden in the descent, so if you were to only glide I'd imagine you'd come to a stop about 2/3 of the way through. There's also typically an interruption from at least one of the six traffic lights you'll encounter in that stretch.
     
    #3 mikewithaprius, Jan 28, 2011
  4. Tekdeus

    Tekdeus Shifted to Green

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    Coasting long distances without using any fuel is an amazing feeling. Something inside you just feels right and says, "If only all cars could do what I'm doing..."
     
    #4 Tekdeus, Jan 28, 2011
  5. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Getting six consecutive lights just right is probably that hardest part, and a good reason to celebrate!
     
    #5 fuzzy1, Jan 28, 2011
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Nice!
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Jan 28, 2011
  7. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    It can be hard, but sometimes it helps to know which streets (if any) have timed lights. Sometimes, it's only known by locals via word of mouth.

    For San Francisco, I heard of some from coworkers and learned of some via San Francisco's 49 Mile Scenic Drive ... - Google Books and What streets in San Francisco have timed lights? - sanfrancisco traffic | Ask MetaFilter.

    I was driving while on a date, years ago in SF and intentionally took one of the above streets. My date was amazed by how little I had to stop and how lights were usually turning from red to green for me as I got near the interaction. :rockon:
     
    #7 cwerdna, Jan 28, 2011
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