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"N" Mode and Glide

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by gazz, Mar 18, 2007.

  1. gazz

    gazz Member

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    I have read a lot on P&G but was wondering how the "N" mode compares to the glide. I do not like taking my current car out of gear and putting it into natural but I can get massive improvements. Does the "N" do the same a gliding on very light throttle?

    By the way had a Prius on test for 5 days and love it, now have one on order so cannot try this out yet.
     
    #1 gazz, Mar 18, 2007
  2. John in LB

    John in LB Life is good

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gazz @ Mar 18 2007, 04:32 AM) [snapback]407823[/snapback]</div>
    Search for this topic as it has been discussed previously. However, for the Prius in particular, Neutral is not the same as Glide. Neutral prevents any regenerative charging, even if the IC engine is running; whereas, gliding keeps the system engaged. As a rule, do not use N.

    In a regular car, the rules about not being in Neutral are outdated and were based on runaway cars and brake failures. If you know what you are doing, and understand all of the implications of being in neutral - then there is no technical reason why you can't put your car in neutral - And yes, you will improve your gas mileage in that way.
     
    #2 John in LB, Mar 18, 2007
  3. gazz

    gazz Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John in LB @ Mar 18 2007, 07:41 AM) [snapback]407825[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for that, I have tried to track down what happens in neutral at speed but cannot find it, There is no regen so no drag? but what is the ICE doing?
     
    #3 gazz, Mar 18, 2007
  4. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

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    The engine's either idling or off. It's providing no motive force or drag though, because MG1 is freewheeling, so it's got nothing to push against.
     
    #4 KMO, Mar 18, 2007
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Yeah, what KMO said. I have used [N] in winter months when the ICE refuses to turn off. When coasting at speed, I receive a good mileage number. But as I slow, my mileage drops because the ICE is idling and my speed is falling.

    And John's right about the regen. Again, using [N] to simulate a glide, I always try to slip back into [P] when I'm approaching a stop. Basically, recharging the battery on a speed-decrease situation is free energy, plain and simple. Keeping the car in [N] and applying the friction brakes is just silly.
     
    #5 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 18, 2007
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    With my NHW11 03 Prius, I've found that using "N" for glide is effective for the initial MPG. Even going down a gentle slope, "N" give higher MPG than "D." Once the ICE warms up, this effect disappears.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Mar 18, 2007
  7. briantompo

    briantompo Junior Member

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    "Does the "N" do the same a gliding on very light throttle?"
    Gazz,
    Nope, not for me...using very light throttle on the highway with MFD showing only yellow arrows from battery to wheels (warp stealth) I get about 130-160 mpg as speed slowly decreases for 1/2 mile. Same conditions except shift to "N" and mileage shows 270-300 mpg. In both cases the engine idles around 1000 RPM and fuel consumption is .2 gal/hr.

    If you warp stealth in "D" there's a sweet spot in the pedal that yields the same 270-300 mileage as "N". After 20K miles in a '05 I still can't maintain that spot for more than a second. I can find "N" every time.

    I have read on this forum that prolonged coasting in "N" is not advised due to lubrication issues. We'll see...

    Brian
     
    #7 briantompo, Mar 24, 2007
  8. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(briantompo @ Mar 25 2007, 01:47 PM) [snapback]411745[/snapback]</div>
    I believe your mpg number is from Scangauge.
    My bet is Scangauge does not show correct mpg number on such conditions.

    Ken@Japan
     
    #8 ken1784, Mar 25, 2007
  9. briantompo

    briantompo Junior Member

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    #9 briantompo, Mar 26, 2007
  10. Betelgeuse

    Betelgeuse Active Member

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    While I agree with John's point about rules about not being in Neutral being outdated, I will just point out that in many (or all) of the US states, it is illegal to drive in neutral. I don't know what the rules are in the UK.
     
    #10 Betelgeuse, Mar 26, 2007
  11. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    #11 ken1784, Mar 27, 2007
  12. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Betelgeuse @ Mar 26 2007, 12:15 PM) [snapback]412368[/snapback]</div>
    Check your state code but the prohibition is usually for a down grade. It would be legal on a flat or upgrade. Of course speeding is also illegal.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #12 bwilson4web, Mar 27, 2007
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