max mpg tips re: moving from dead stop?

Manual acceleration to 33 mph, then cruise control acceleration above 33 mph. Tank and cumulative fuel economy = 53 mpg.

 

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Does it matter whether you are going uphill or downhill?

 

One thing I try to do when accelerating from a dead stop is "ease into it." I try to use the electric motor to move the first 5 to 10 feet with light pedal, then ease into it slowly. I try not to get the MPG under the 25 MPG line while accelerating. There is a fine balance between accelerating to get maximum MPG and being a traffic hazard.

I think you will make more of a difference in the way you "cruise" than the way you accelerate. When I cruise above 30 MPH, I try to keep the MPG above 60. You can play with the throttle while watching the MPGs to achieve the optimum position.

I also "encourage" the car to run on electric whenever I know I will be cruising on a flat at a constant speed under 40 MPH. To do this, I back off the throttle until it goes to "glide" then I apply slight pedal until it goes electric only. If the battery doesn't have enough charge, it won't do this.

Mike