Optimal way to drive for highest MPG?

[bobabree]

I live in a densely-populated city with warm weather ~75 degrees. I heard it’s best to go less than 70mph on the highway? Is it best to drive smooth or constant?

My mpg is varying a lot in the city (28-48 mpg)

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[Fotomoto]

It’s fairly simple: light on the brakes, light on the accelerator pedal, keep speeds as low as possible and avoid short trips (warm up penalty is real and has a huge affect). On the highway, follow slower traffic (trucks usually) at a safe distance (don’t draft which saves fuel but is very unsafe). For the biggest gains, keep speeds below 55 mph.

There are websites totally dedicated to this.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[bomberxl]

You definitely want to be smooth.

Some tips:

• Use the Hybrid Trainer
  • You will learn when you can let off and reapply throttle to kick it over to electric
  • This also helps you keep track of how much charge you have
• Maximize regen braking
  • Start slowing down sooner. Use the trainer to find the best brake regen zone. Keep it in the green.
• Knowing your route and where you can coast
• Knowing your traffic conditions
  • In stop and go traffic, I like to stay a little out of sync so I don't come to a complete stop if possible. I've always done this though.
• Terrain is a factor
  • On my way to work I can easily average 50-52 based on the computer, but that same trip home is 60-64.

I prefer to briskly accelerate to my cruising speed then use throttle and terrain to stay there and maximize electric.

I try to not drive under the speed limit. I don't like to speed either.

First tank I averaged 41.5 calculated. I'm currently 3/4 through my second and the computer reads 48.5.

I haven't really used eco mode.

Short, cold trips will kill you though. I've had a couple 1 mile 18mpg trips.

 

[Chicago Mike]

great tips , i have been really working the terrain, coasting thru long level straightaways, staying in the right lane and no passing. At first i was getting 44 / 45 MPG each way to work (20 Miles, and 70% highway). I am up to 55 / 56 MPG. Also use Eco mode whenever I can remember to turn it on.

 

[Veer]

My overall mpg so far is 38.8 for 600 miles, which is nice but hoping it goes up as the temp warms up and as the engine breaks in. Some people are getting better mpg. Also hoping the engine gets smoother, its rough running now. The EV mode is very smooth but after the engine kicks there are more vibrations from the engine. The truck ride, from tires and suspension point of view is perfect, handling is nice, cornering is nice, also goes over the bumps nicely.

 

[JASmith]

It’s fairly simple: light on the brakes, light on the accelerator pedal, keep speeds as low as possible and avoid short trips (warm up penalty is real and has a huge affect). On the highway, follow slower traffic (trucks usually) at a safe distance (don’t draft which saves fuel but is very unsafe). For the biggest gains, keep speeds below 55 mph.

There are websites totally dedicated to this.

GOOD LUCK!

Also try to always drive downhill and downwind.

 

[projectvortex]

I live in a densely-populated city with warm weather ~75 degrees. I heard it’s best to go less than 70mph on the highway? Is it best to drive smooth or constant?

My mpg is varying a lot in the city (28-48 mpg)

Drive it like you stole it.

 

[snowcatxx87]

Also try to always drive downhill and downwind.

This is expensive for me, as I have to buy a new house everyday. I also miss my dog.

 

[SkeeterB]

Fill it with gas, drive & fill again. Don't look at mileage figures, don't look at gas receipts. Go have fun and let someone else worry about gas mileage.

 

[mr_M0J0rzn]

I do think there are some good tips on here for sure to get better mpg. As far as tracking the mpg, I wouldn’t place much weight on getting 60 mpg or 15 mpg over a mile long trip. Your tank gets you 500 miles give or take, so one mile doesn’t affect much in the grand scheme of things. I typically just make note of how I do on a per fill-up basis.

 

[Larrythelunatic]

Also try to always drive downhill and downwind.

……….and towards magnetic north.

 

[BILLNOROVILLE]

I try to use cruise control whenever I can. I can't drive as smooth as cruise control it seems. It always beats me on mpg.

 

[fbov]

Also try to always drive downhill and downwind.

You're right to ignore anyone who doesn't post round trips. Knowing the weather is just smart.

I try to use cruise control whenever I can.

Hypermilers don't. Speed variation is your friend. That's the whole point of riding the terrain; ICE uphill, EV down. The ICE burn will be more efficient if you sacrifice some speed on a steep hill rather than adding throttle to maintain speed. You'll make up the speed on the down hill.

Sounds like a lot of folks are getting the hybrid differences, and how they add up. Once you get your mileage up, try ethanol-free fuel. It won't pay for itself, but tanks last longer.

 

[BILLNOROVILLE]

You're right to ignore anyone who doesn't post round trips. Knowing the weather is just smart.

Hypermilers don't. Speed variation is your friend. That's the whole point of riding the terrain; ICE uphill, EV down. The ICE burn will be more efficient if you sacrifice some speed on a steep hill rather than adding throttle to maintain speed. You'll make up the speed on the down hill.

Sounds like a lot of folks are getting the hybrid differences, and how they add up. Once you get your mileage up, try ethanol-free fuel. It won't pay for itself, but tanks last longer.

I'm not a Hypermiler . Owned a Volt for 3 years and on 2nd Prius. I could be if I choose to. I simply think the cruise control is easier on the gas peddle than I am. If I get 39.1 or 44.5 I'm good with that. Slowing down in CA can be life threatening. NY, I don't know

But I agree, lot of folks getting to know hybrid differences.

 

[Sylvester]

You definitely want to be smooth.

Some tips:

• Use the Hybrid Trainer
  • You will learn when you can let off and reapply throttle to kick it over to electric
  • This also helps you keep track of how much charge you have
• Maximize regen braking
  • Start slowing down sooner. Use the trainer to find the best brake regen zone. Keep it in the green.
• Knowing your route and where you can coast
• Knowing your traffic conditions
  • In stop and go traffic, I like to stay a little out of sync so I don't come to a complete stop if possible. I've always done this though.
• Terrain is a factor
  • On my way to work I can easily average 50-52 based on the computer, but that same trip home is 60-64.

I prefer to briskly accelerate to my cruising speed then use throttle and terrain to stay there and maximize electric.

I try to not drive under the speed limit. I don't like to speed either.

First tank I averaged 41.5 calculated. I'm currently 3/4 through my second and the computer reads 48.5.

I haven't really used eco mode.

Short, cold trips will kill you though. I've had a couple 1 mile 18mpg trips.

Where can you see how much charge you have?

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