Hypermiling versus racing: It's a real gas
Getting the most out of every mileYesterday I came across an article noting that some Americans are starting to drive differently in order to save gas, such as no jack rabbit starts or excessive highway speeds. And while these techniques can make conventional vehicles more efficient, hybrid cars provide the ultimate tool for such hypermiling.
Hybrid testimonials demonstrate that drivers can have a huge impact on the fuel economy of their hybrid vehicles. Instead of racing, many hybrid drivers do everything possible to achieve the best mileage possible. Thus, someone whom races their Toyota Prius hybrid around might achieve an average 42 mpg, whereas someone whom hypermiles might achieve well over 50 mpg.
Certainly, for some, blowing somebody away at a stoplight might be the ultimate thrill, but its a cheap thrill that hypermilers can laugh at all the way to the bank.
Do you hypermile?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
6:12 AM
3 Comments:
Certainly, for some, blowing somebody away at a stoplight might be the ultimate thrill, but its a cheap thrill that hypermilers can laugh at all the way to the bank.
That's the problem with people here though...they say they care about money, yet they laugh at people who conserve fuel. They say they care about the environment, yet how many people can be bothered to throw their recycled products away properly? They say they care about the future and their children...yet I can bet most won't change a thing about themselves to promote such righteous path.
People who hyper mile are ridiculed and laughed at regularly. Just today a douchebag driving in a Audi S4 blew by everyone while doing 3 lane changes left and right and almost causing an accident...I see probably 3-4 of these types on my way to work...and my work is 15 minutes away and 10 miles in distance. The other 50% of the drivers on the road don't drive so aggressively bu they are 75% there most of the time. P
i know a lot of people whom drive big suvs that have done a 180 regarding their prius hate. $4 gas has given them a whole new perspective. maybe that's only a baby step, but its a step.
Personally, I just laugh at anyone driving a gas hog- especially today, now that they are essentially stuck with it. I have a 2003 Prius, and I get about 45 mpg in the winter, 55 mpg Spring/Fall, and about 60 mpg in the summer (New England).
To let people know that the hybrid does its job, I bought a scrolling sign at Roadmaster (http://storesense2.megawebservers.com/HS4287/Categories.bok) and I programmed it with my current gas mileage, and what it costs me to go 100 miles. Then I compare the cost at 20 mpg:
"2003 Prius MPG 55", "100 miles costs $6.54", "20 MPG ? 100 miles = $18.00" at $3.60/gallon. People don't care much about environment, but money.... that's an important issue!
People have slowed down to have a look at me, sometimes honk (nicely). It's a great way to adversise such a great piece of technology. The Gen 2 Prius may not have the window space for such a display though.
Some hypermilage tips I have found:
1) Use the 'B' gear to slow down as much as possible- better than using the breaks;
2) Accelerate down hills, and allow the car to decelerate uphills (minding traffic and speed limits of course);
3) Use 'N'eutral down a hill if the batteries are full and the way is clear
4) Anticipate traffic;
5) No flooring it!
6) Drafting- I have followed the rigs, but not too closely. Provides a good increase.
7) Keep the tires inflated to near their maximum pressure.
3 & 6 may not be legal in all cases, so be careful.
I found these during the Hurricane Katrina gasoline prices, and I avoided buying $3/Gal. gas. That is cheap now!
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