Hi from Central VA

MrsHarm,

Welcome to the Prius community. Our understanding of how to maximize MPG increases with use. But the best advice I've seen for new Prius owners is to just drive it while the car, and this forum, teaches us what it can do and what we can do.

 

Welcome!

Check out the GenIII Fuel Economy section for gas mileage tips and videos.

It's Model Two.

 

welcome and congrats. i think it's called package II. sounds like quite a ride!

 

Welcome aboard central VA. In the summer we may have some tips for you...check back for advice. Your EV battery is getting completely charged up going down the mountain, which is fine. But sometimes its best not to park in the heat every day with a fully charged battery. It would be better if you were down a couple of bars rather than full charge.

 

Even if the steep hill depleted your battery the engine would charge it back up. There is a noticeable drop in power but that won't stop you from going 75mph up the hill.

 

You should be fine. We go over the mountains to Pittsburgh all the time and sometimes West Virginny too. You will probably just get some less 3 to 4 MPG versus level driving. I do recall some really steep hills in deep south West Virginny but that was before our Prius so I cannot comment.

 

Congrats on the new car! Come on up to Arlington County on a weekend and see more Prii than Chevys on our roads up here packs of hungry Prii on the loose every day, slinkin' along, silently prowling for the rare open parking space...

 

Welcome to PC and congrats on the new Prius Would love to see some pictures of your new ride!

 

Congrats--enjoy.

 

I'm very familiar with your commute. I don't drive it every day like you, but I find taking the state route much more enjoyable with just a slight loss in mpg (1-1.5) vs. the interstate. I believe you purchased your 2012 at the same dealer that I used for our 2012. A much more enjoyable experience than when I bought the 2008 on this side of the mountain.

Headed to the mountains of West by "G" Virginia? I can't tell you how many times we have made that trip in our 2008 with 2 adults, 1 teenager, 3 shelties and all our stuff. We've never used up the battery and always had enough power to make it up even the steepest ones at the speed limit. Not the quietest climb over the mountains, but it sure is quiet going down the other side. Will get to see how the 2012 does in a couple of days on the same trip with an extra teenager - could be interesting.

 

Congrats on the new car. Don't you just love it? I'm in NE TN and travel over the Appalachians monthly, so I know your type of commute. My advice, use the HSI screen, let off of the gas pedal when the mpg's go way low and press down easy on the gas pedal. Keep the bar as close to 50% as possible. In fact, anytime you see the HSI indicator showing low mpg's, just let off the pedal and press down easy. Its amazing how this car works. It takes time to figure it out, so many different ways to max out mpg's. The hard core drivers buy scangauge II's. I'm not there yet, still figuring out tire pressures. BTW 44 front, 42 rear psi helps mpg's. Holla!