Maxed out my own efforts, what is next?

Try going up hills with the HSI at the top of the Eco area, and going down them with the HSI "zeroed out". It's OK to let the car slow down going uphill and speed up going downhill. Don't fight the hills. If you're using the A/C, make sure eco mode is on and only turn it on as much as you need to.

For such a short commute, a block heater would likely make a big difference. Also, PHEV kits start at 2 grand for the smaller ones.

 

Thanks! Bestmapman knows what he is talking about. He is one of the expert hypermilers that tests cars along with Wayne.

 

You would need one heck of a hill to coast fast enough to cause damage to MG1, but it is theoretically possible. I wouldn't be overly worried, unless you are planning to coast down Pike's Peak.

Tom

 

Experts are only using neutral in the vids because it is easier than showing someone how to feather the pedal to get the same effect in the short amount of time they have with them.

 

I would keep trying to perfect it with your foot since you have some added flexibility that you don't have with simply putting it in N.

 

Brett,
You seem set on using N. I really implore you to try to learn to use your foot instead of N. You have to trust us that all the best hypermilers on here don't use N on their Prius.

 

I get what you are saying....however, I don't think you are going to get a ton of love in this thread when you are basically telling us that we're all wrong and you are right.

 

Also...does putting it in N always shut down the ICE or would it keep it going if it was already on?

 

From what I understand whatever mode is running before it is put in N simply stays on. Therefore, if the ICE is on before it is put in N, it stays on until put back in D. That being said, the iMPG can still go over 100 even with the ICE being on. So, if I were you, I would think about getting a SGII or Torque to make sure the ICE is off before you switch to N.

Also, to assume there are no hills in Nebraska is very erroneous. I also believe that some hills are ideal and a 100% flat terrain is not near as perfect some people think it is.

fwiw well over half my miles on my Prius are on the interstate at an average speed of around 65 with the cruise control on, as well as some with the wife driving (she averages around 45 mpg). Never using N, I can at least get 70 mpg on any round trip anywhere in my city back to home. I hope this doesn't come off as a brag but instead an indicator of what is possible by not having to use N.

 

I've seen him in another video, too. I think honestly he drives like a total idiot. The tricks he applies are worthwhile after the zombie apocalypse when we've run out of gas and our lives depend on MPG. Until then it's obnoxious and really farcical. These tricks should be reserved for a parking lot without traffic; the way he does it is inconsiderate. That complete nonsense he's doing around 11:00 weaving back and forth is frankly dangerous and absurd. Nobody behind him would have any clue what he's playing at.

 

I have a nice 2 mile mostly downhill segment on my way home from work, with speed limits from 30-40 mph. After reading this post, I figured i would give N a shot. Right at the spot where I usually start my glide, I popped it in N and left it there for a good mile and a half, until I needed to make my turn off the road, which is on the way uphill, so i don't really need to even brake. Other than that stretch I used my usual techniques throughout my ride. When I got home and powered down. Below are my results. For reference I have been getting between 77 and 82 for this route, so I was surprised to see this outcome. I am not really sure if it is just because of that N glide or if something else contributed to it, but i am sure going to try to duplicate.


Side note: my trip home is mostly downhill. I only get about 65mpg on the way to work.

 

Is this your first Prius? If so, I'm guessing you are not gliding right (if that's the cause). Remember, your goal is to see nothing on the HSI.

 

It is my first. I seem to have days when I can glide very well, and days I just cant find that sweet spot. I keep it with nothing on the HSI. I actually started my glide first, then shifted to N, and I could feel a very noticeable "I'm free" feeling immediately, so clearly I didn't quite have the right pedal position. I guess i will just have to keep practicing.

 

Ya, it definitely takes time. To be very honest I thought I couldn't do much better when I started. But my average MPG's have been going up very steadily since I bought it.