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MPGs in the San Francisco Bay Area / Peninsula

Discussion in 'Prius c Fuel Economy' started by Nel, Jun 14, 2013.

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  1. Nel

    Nel Member

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    Seeing as how popular Prii are in the Bay Area, I'm sure there's many of you on this forum.

    I'm very curious what you guys are getting in terms of fuel efficiency. I'm specifically located in SSF and mostly commute locally. The hills are absolutely killing my mileage (my last tank average was only 45 mpg). I'm not sure what to do, as I've done different things (go easy on the gas, as well as get up to speed quickly and then glide with the momentum). Unfortunately, I can only do so much with all the hills here. I'm not willing to sacrifice safety for the sake of some savings.

    If I ever let my parents drive the C, they mileage gets even a bit worse than my results. I do not use AC much at all. and I barely ever pass 70 mph if I'm on the highway.

    Am I the only one getting such poor mileage here? Or is this expected in this terrain?

    If/when posting, please indicate the city/suburb you are driving through, along with your avg mpg.
     
    #1 Nel, Jun 14, 2013
  2. Prius NZ

    Prius NZ Junior Member

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    I think given the terrain you may benefit from comparing your Prius mpg with a non hybrid of similar size and weight on the same routes.
     
    #2 Prius NZ, Jun 14, 2013
  3. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    45 mpg sounds reasonable for your terrain if you have short commute
     
    #3 xs650, Jun 14, 2013
  4. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    i live in the bay area, though don't commute around SF that much... i would imagine i can get about 55mpg or so it that terrain... and you could probably get at least 51-53 if you slow down your speed and ease up on the hill climb.

    i commute from the east bay down to the south bay typically, and some of it is during rush hour traffic. on a typical tank, i'll get about 58-60mpg on average. majority of it is highway... i also try to stay under 65mph... it's really easy when it's during rush hour.
     
    #4 SquallLHeart, Jun 15, 2013
  5. Nel

    Nel Member

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    I can't really avoid the hills here... I live on one and my destination is on top of another. Seeing my avg mpg is making me so sad :( especially seeing what everyone else here is getting. No peninsula guys on this forum??

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #5 Nel, Jun 15, 2013
  6. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Why is it making you sad? EPA for Hwy is 46...
     
    #6 ztanos, Jun 15, 2013
  7. Nel

    Nel Member

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    Because I don't even drive much highway...

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #7 Nel, Jun 15, 2013
  8. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    short, local trips hurt your mileage... btw.

    how long is your typical commute?
     
    #8 SquallLHeart, Jun 15, 2013
  9. Nel

    Nel Member

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    Maybe 5 miles per trip, so 10 miles round. Only bad thing is, the hill climb starts pretty much after the ICE is warmed

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #9 Nel, Jun 15, 2013
  10. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    The 5 miles per trip is the main reason your mileage is low. The official city rating is based on much longer cycles, about 30 minutes IIRC. You are doing fine.
     
    #10 xs650, Jun 15, 2013
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  11. minkus

    minkus Active Member

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    Also, you'd likely be getting much lower in a non-hybrid - all the energy that would be regained by going downhill would be wasted by the brakes. Do you have a previous vehicle to compare your mpg to?
     
    #11 minkus, Jun 15, 2013
  12. Drdiesel

    Drdiesel Active Member

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    You're the perfect candidate for Plug-In vehicle. Driving 70MPH on the freeway will kill your MPG's too!

    You'll need to learn how to maximize battery usage and recapture on the downhills. I think 46 is a good starting point.
    How long have you owned the car ?
     
    #12 Drdiesel, Jun 15, 2013
  13. Nel

    Nel Member

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    Minkus: I had an slk230 for a few months prior. 18 mpg under comparable normal driving conditions.

    Unfortunately my wallet is not a candidate for the PiP. I've been driving a Prius since 2010. Liftback

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #13 Nel, Jun 15, 2013
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  14. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    He'd be a great candidate for a LEAF. :ROFLMAO:
     
    #14 ztanos, Jun 15, 2013
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  15. Nel

    Nel Member

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    Stop it!

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #15 Nel, Jun 15, 2013
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  16. Drdiesel

    Drdiesel Active Member

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    Now you did it :ROFLMAO:
     
    #16 Drdiesel, Jun 15, 2013
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  17. ChinchillaGirl

    ChinchillaGirl OrcaCar

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    I commute from Boulder Creek to San Mateo 5days/week (100 mi roundtrip, hills, traffic and mountains), and I can get about 51 going north and 55 going south. Not the fastest trip, but 280 is a wonderful route! Slower traffic improves your mpg ...and your meditation skills.
     
    #17 ChinchillaGirl, Jun 18, 2013
  18. Nel

    Nel Member

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    That's pretty good for majority freeway. So i had a chance to travel into the city today, and I actually averaged 54 mpg without hypermiling techniques. I guess my typical route just wasn't friendly :(

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #18 Nel, Jun 18, 2013
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  19. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Rejoice in the fact that you have a car that gets 45 mpg on your short hilly commute, and have a good laugh over the fact that 45 mpg disappointed you.:)
     
    #19 xs650, Jun 18, 2013
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  20. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    I don't own a "C" but I do live in the Peninsula. I also have shorter trips than typical and live in a hilly area. You can see my result in my Fuelly sig. I also notice MPG go up in city driving. No need to feel bad!
     
    #20 Sfcyclist, Jun 18, 2013
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