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Primer on Prius High Milage Driving Techniques?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by kgall, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. kgall

    kgall Active Member

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    I'm a new Prius owner. Is there anywhere on this site where driving tips for higher mileage are collected or organized into a primer?
    Anyone want to set one out here?
    Thanks!
     
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The first step is to baseline your vehicle performance. Once you have a baseline, you can then test the various techniques ... experiments ... and document the effect. For example:
    [​IMG]

    Also include hill climb data:
    [​IMG]

    There are many techniques available but I would recommend doing a baseline and then testing them one-by-one. Then you'll know what works. The key is to quantify each effect with an "A" "B" "A" test.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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  4. kgall

    kgall Active Member

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    Downloaded the "Why don't I get. . ." PDF It does help.

    OK, here's a specific question: How do uou do the "pulse and glide"? When's it useful?

    I doubt I will ever be a real hypermiler because I like to go too fast on the freeway. But I figure hypermile techniques can still help me.
     
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I use it on isolated roads without other traffic and cruise control:

    • 47 mph - cruise control set speed (46 mph is the top hybrid mode speed)
    • shift into "N"
    • 24 mph - shift into "D" and hit cruise control "resume" (23 mph is bottom CC speed)
    I do not use it with the ZVW30 because the speed changes are too risky to use in traffic. I've used it on isolated roads away from ordinary traffic. However, our NHW11, 2003 Prius, has a less sophisticated warm-up cycle.

    With the 03 Prius, I first drive 30-45 seconds using traction battery while the ICE idles at ~1,300 rpm. Thereafter until the ICE coolant temperature reaches 70C, I maximize use of "N" driving through neighborhood streets, speeds of 25 mph or less. Once the coolant reaches 70C, I can get into 'hybrid mode' (Stage 4 warm-up) and drive normally.

    Bob Wilson
     
  6. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/64638-glide-question.html#post893892
    Please refer to the picture.
    On a country road, a few traffic, no or few signal stops, driving below 46mph and so on...
    World record distance on a single tank for a Prius II - Japan - July 4 - Aug 16, 2006 - CleanMPG Forums
    You're correct!
    Above the 46mph barrier, the ICE(internal combustion engine) has to spin, therfore the "pulse and glide" does not work.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/62635-46-mph-new-threshold-stealth.html

    Ken@Japan

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    See Ken, I have a question. You've labelled the glide zone as approx. half of the Hybrid Eco area. Now as far as I know, that's EV mode more than glide. Could you confirm on your scangauge that the power draw from that highlighted zone is so miniscule that it can be essentially taken as gliding?
     
  8. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    I don't have a scangauge. :(
    However, I wrote on my post as follows;
    "we don't have to be so sensitive for the zero amp (no energy flow) gliding and a weak battery use is acceptable"

    Ken@Japan
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Ahhh ok thanks! Then I won't be so picky next time =)