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Late night driving can really hurt fuel economy!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by SparkieBlues, Feb 16, 2011.

  1. SparkieBlues

    SparkieBlues New Member

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    I went to Eric Clapton concert last night (the real reason I started this thread!), and by the time it was over the time was almost 11 pm. I was very tired and had to drive back, beating the traffic in the parking lot and around the concert venue before getting on the highway.

    It was not the traffic itself that hurt fuel economy, sadly, it was the driver. I was so tired by the time I got to the highway (note: almost zero traffic) I just want to get home! I wasn't focused on fuel economy or hypermiling anymore. I could barely keep my concentration on the road it was very hard to concentrate on everything happening on the HSI and MFD. I just stepped on it and hope it would get me home faster.
     
    #1 SparkieBlues, Feb 16, 2011
  2. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    During my trip to Charleston (700 miles) I mostly locked the RCC on the speed limit. At 70mph FE was mid-to-high 40's. At 65mph it was high 40's. For a stretch north of Fayetteville, NC I locked onto a truck doing 65 since I wasn't in a hurry to get home. I feel driving at night is easier with the reduced traffic & avionics. BTW, SC, NC, VA, MA, DE & NJ all look alike in the dark.
     
    #2 JimN, Feb 16, 2011
  3. tonyrenier

    tonyrenier I grew up, but it's still red!

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    OK, I'm officially jealous that you saw Clapton LIVE!
     
    #3 tonyrenier, Feb 16, 2011
  4. SparkieBlues

    SparkieBlues New Member

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    I never try using cruise control before in my life. I almost forgot my Prius got it. Maybe I should give it a try next time.

    But I have to agree driving at night is a lot easier and more enjoyable, but only if you are in good condition to drive.
     
    #4 SparkieBlues, Feb 16, 2011
  5. SparkieBlues

    SparkieBlues New Member

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    And now I can officially close this thread. Thank you and good night!:D

    BTW, Clapton Rocks!!!:rockon:
     
    #5 SparkieBlues, Feb 16, 2011
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    He is still alive?!
     
    #6 spiderman, Feb 17, 2011
  7. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    Would I make anybody here feel old if I replied "Who is Eric Clapton?"

    (Just kidding.)

    Personally, I love driving in the middle of the night - 3 AM is a great time for hypermiling, when I can coast from 40 mph down to 20 if I want, without annoying anybody else (except maybe my passengers, who don't count).
     
    #7 macman408, Feb 17, 2011
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  8. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    I drive much slower at night. I'm a night owl anyway so I'm wide awake after hockey at midnight. Without traffic, I can hypermile to my heart's content.
     
    #8 Much More Better, Feb 17, 2011
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  9. SparkieBlues

    SparkieBlues New Member

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    Sounds like I am the only one who have problem staying awake driving at night!

    In terms of traffic, the best time to drive is at night, no question about it.
     
    #9 SparkieBlues, Feb 17, 2011
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