Prius Question for the Community (LONG)

My average in my 2001 Focus was 38mpg (imperial), but winters averaged around 35mpg while summers were more like 40. In the Prius, so far (and I only have a year of data) the summer was 60-63 while winter is 50-52. Current average is 55.4mpg(I), which is 46.2 miles per US gallon - hey, I beat the EPA!

The Focus 'official' number was 40.9mpg combined-cycle, while the Prius is 65.7mpg. I beat the Focus number six times in 118 tanks (not including part-fills, which skew the numbers). Haven't beaten the Prius number yet - best 63.86.

 

I practice safe hypermiling while making a few small physical modifications to my Prius. I don't draft trucks...I don't endanger myself or other drivers. 95% of my mileage is driven on 35-45 mph roads...very little highway. I'll explain below...pardon the length of the reply but getting great mpg's is something I'm very pasionate about.

First, Just because a speed limit sign says "45 mph" does not mean you have to drive that fast. The goal should be to stay near that mph (to not endanger yourself or other drivers) but to maximize mpg while doing it. If there is a long line of cars behind me I usually let them pass until I am in a position to maximize my mpg OR if I'm near the speed limit (maybe 1-5 mph under) I have no problem continuing along my max mpg way because I'm not breaking the law while doing so. If people are up my tail pipe but I'm under the posted speed limit (within reason) and also getting max mpg...guess what...I'm going to continue doing it...it's legal. I'm no less a jerk at 40 mph in a 45 zone than those driing 50-55 mph in a 45 mph zone. Those who say driving 5 mph under the speed limit while others are backing up behind you is wrong...sounds to me like someone has a lead foot and no interest in getting max mpg's and conserving fuel. 1-5 mph under the speed limit is legal and I can guarantee you I'm actually more in tune with my surroundings than those trying to drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit.

Second, paying attention to how your car performs in different situations is a major contributor to maximizing mpg's. I have a ScanGuage II that tells me info about my car that everyday drivers without such instrumentation can't use as a valuable resource. Finding "sweet spots" when accelerating, coasting, braking, up hills, down hills, etc. is paramount to getting your best mpg. The SGII costs about $150 and it's worth every penny. Takes 2 minutes to hook up and without any tools...I am far from wrench smart and I did it with no problems.

Last, getting great mpg's is a full-time commitment. You can't drive willy-nilly one commute, decide to hypermile the next and think you're going to get max mpg. A few things I do to get good mpg are (decide for yourself which ones you think are good for you):

1. I have a grill block on the front of my car. See pics in my album. It's foam pipe insulation...cost under $5 to do. By blocking the grill and recapturing the heat from the engine it reduces the time it takes my Prius to reach the temp when EV mode is possible and the car does not have to rely on the internal combustion engine (ICE) to solely power the car. In higher temps...the grill block is not necessary and is not recommended. But, in 70 degrees and below under normal driving situations I use it. My start up temp times have dropped from 6-7 mins to 1-2 mins...it has raised my first 5 minutes mpg from 25-30 mpg to 40-50+ mpg...every bit counts.

2. I have my tires inflated to 44 psi on the front and 42 psi on the back. During nomal driving I use pulse and glide to get max mpg. Often, I use neutral coast (under 60 mph) and the higher psi tires allow me to coast further and use less ICE to power the car up the next hill. I am coasting down hills and back up some of the next. I typically only P&G from 45-60 mph (don't ever do it above 60 mph..you can damage the ICE) and down larger hills. I use EV mode under 41 mph...see #3.

3. I use EV mode alot. Getting into EV mode below 41 mph and keeping it in EV below 41 mph allows me to use no fuel during these stretches. A feather foot on the GO pedal keeps it in EV while still accelerating...this takes some practice.

4. I try to bundle my errands so I'm not constantly powering on and powering off the car. Or, if I'm only going to be at an errand for a few minutes I'll leave the car on so I don't have to restart it and go through the start up cycle again. I park where I can see the car because someone can jump in and take of with it still on...I live in a generally small town, safe area. I do not do this in the city or where I am not comfortable doing it. As long as the water temp stays above 160 degrees, the ICE won't kick in and use gas while you have it parked and are running a quick errand...but you will be using the battery to keep the car powered on...turn off all inside accessories that drain the battery when doing this. I've never had a problem with the battery charge but I also recapture alot of energy to the battery when I'm driving so it's never been lower than 3 bars for me.

I'm sure I will get alot of negative responses to my post...but this is how I choose to get great mpg's. Some of my techniques are not applauded here...but it's my car. Choose for yourself how you drive and decide what techniques you are comfortable with.

 

I live in a rural area of Oklahoma America. I have several things that go "against" a hybrid/Prius. Lots of wind, appx 13mph daily average. I live on poor roads, hilly roads, considerable amount of rain. Add in a 7 mile commute to work & a mix of rural (like country) & highway miles. Lots of 2 lane traffic where others dictate your driving styel. It just does not add up for maximum mileage. However, I have now put over 10,000 miles on my Prius and the average over the last 10+ tanks of gas & > 7000 miles and my mileage is 49.4 mpg.

I don't fixate on how many gallons of gas I can or cannot get in the tank. I simply fill it up & go with no problem in getting 500 miles/tank. And yes, I did check the actual miles & fuel used. I am going to quit as my computer figures are pretty darn close.

This may not sound too great, but try driving 75mph for several hundred miles of hills & rain with 35-40 mph crosswind. Which I did 3 times during this.

I live on a small ranch. And why exactly did I buy a Prius? Because I wanted to. The technology intrigues me. The hatchback & fold down rear seats fills the bill too. I have done nothing on the vehicle, have no real complaints & feel this is the best or one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. It seems to be working out very well for me.

Is the Prius the car for everyone? Hardly or it would be the only car made. But is is a very well built & reliable car.

 

Matt, I don't see why you might think you'll get negative responses. Not from me anyway. Your techniques match my driving profile very closely. I'd like to offer two suggestions. (1) For trips you take frequently, such as to and from work each day, plan your route for best fuel economy. I tried 5 different routes before settling on the best. And, of course, your route to work may not be the same as your route from work. (2) To lock the Prius while in READY, use the mechanical key from the fob to lock the door. You won't need to keep your eye on your car while on your errand. However, you will need the mechanical key to unlock the door when you return.

Cheers!

 

I think it was pointed out above, but I just wanted to emphasize that these items will negatively affect all vehicles, not just the Prius. The only Prius-specific item there is the short commute, which will have a negative impact on mileage due to the warmup penalty (conventional vehicles also have a warmup penalty, but it's not as large).

 

Paul,

I realize there are some people on this site that utilize fuel saving techniques when they drive but the majority don't (at least not to the extent you and I may) so I expected some negative responses regarding this style of driving (some deem it unsafe or unnecessary).

Good point on the key...didn't even dawn on me...thanks!

In regards to my route, believe it or not...there's only one route that "makes sense" to and from work. Any other route either adds significant time to my commute (10 minutes or more) or reduces my ability to get good mpg. I agree 100% that route selection is imperative to maximizing mpg...but in my case I'm using that route right now.

Good luck with your mpg's!

 

route planning has worked for Fedex for years. they determined that by using a route that had no left turns, they saved up to 8% in gas mileage...just something to think about

as always, YMMV.... iow, its NOT THE CAR!! its you. you can claim you are doing everything right if you want, but if you are not getting the results than its most likely you you need to look at

now in that paragraph, you is mentioned 7 times. look at other people in your area with a similar driving profile. if you aint getting what they are getting, you need to take another look at how you are driving

 

Matt, I'm sorry, I phrased things poorly. My suggestions were not directed at "you" personally. They were meant for the general PC population as additions to your list of driving techniques.

And when one's driving style is so within the boundaries of the rules of the road, consideration for other drivers, and speed limit laws, it's hard to find fault, though some may try anyway.

Cheers!

 

I took your suggestion as friendly advice...and a reminder to look for good routes...always good to communicate with others with similar interest in getting great mpg's.

Not sure if you are on ecomodder.com but they have helped me greatly to mod my vehicle and maximize my driving style...also alot of good banter over there about all things car related...check it out if you get a chance!