My best MPG and question about display

Ev mode is electric ONLY mode and only works at parking lot speeds and under light loads.

 

You can gain another 3-4 MPG if you do not use the cruise control and allow the speed to vary according to terrain. I usually get about 56-58 under similar conditions in Alabama. However, 54 MPG is not bad.

 

54 mpg is pretty good for your speed. Is it really worth extra effort to try to get a few more mpg? You could try setting your A/C at 72 or 73 to see if you would still be comfortable. On flat roads, you could try using cruise control. You also could keep an eye on the HSI to make sure that the bar doesn't go into the "PWR" region. I found that if I pay too much attention in trying to squeeze every last mpg out of the car, I miss out on the scenery

 

The higher you can set the Air Cond. system temp will help. 80-84, OK! maybe not 75-76 The higher the better.
Do not use Cruise control if you do not need it. Kind of use the car like a roller coaster, gain speed going down slight hills and lose speed going up hill, then crest another hill and continue. Do not hold up traffic to do this. Be Safe!

 

Keep the ECO button pressed on & up your tires to maybe 40 front 38 back. I just started doing this & my MPG has gone up. But your MPG is still good.

 

54 is great. Higher than EPA estimate. Be happy and boost your tire psi.

 

I agree with the others, your mpg looks good. I increased my tire pressure to 42/40 and noticed a increase.

 

It looks right.

You could try driving without AC but if needed:

• recirculate mode
• direct the vents at head and arms
• nibble the temperature as high as tolerable
• higher fan speed can often allow a slightly higher temperature

Don't expect great improvements.

You could run the tires to maximum sidewall pressure. It helps but don't expect great improvements.

There are some aerodynamic modifications such as reducing the amount of air through the front bumper inlet along with an air-dam and side-shirts. They help but don't expect great improvements.

You could cruise at a lower speed by finding a semi-trailer truck to use as a pacing vehicle. Expect immediate and measurable improvements.

Bob Wilson

 

Yes. The in the equation describing the force exerted against the car, speed is a SQUARED term. So other than drafting, speed will have the largest effect on the amount of power you will need to maintain current speed. My empirical observation is that the optimal speed for mileage is somewhere between 40-50 mph when you assume a practical speed. Obviously, such speeds are not safe on American freeways.

 

The difference between drafting and pacing is whether there is enough time to steer around road debris that shows up under the leading vehicle. Pacing does not suffer the turbulence from drafting and is quite safe. It also works just as well behind a sedan with handicap plates, a loaded pickup, or a semi.

Secondary roads may take more miles so the MPG improvement might be negated by longer distances but driving to the Interstate may also require a significant diversion so the mileage becomes a wash. For example, Google Maps shows these routes between our home in South Huntsville and Birmingham:

• 108 miles, 1:36 - via Interstates, 50 MPG (true) 2.16 gallons at posted speed limits
• 94.8 miles, 1:46 - via AL-53/US-231 S, 60 MPG (true) 1.58 gallons at posted speed limits

So when planning a trip, use mapping software to look at alternatives. If the elapsed times are close, consider the mileage effects.

Bob Wilson

 

I have two choices interstate 75 mph 232 miles and may be 52 mpg. About 3.5 hour's.
Or I can go two lane 55 mph 234 miles may be 62 mpg . About 4.75 hour's.

Choice?
Speed or mileage?

Enjoy your car!

 

Yeah! Everyday, I would drive 80 mph.

 

The key is knowing your tradeoff between fuel costs and time. There have been folks who use their hourly wage to calculate the cost of each minute in the car:

• $_annual_salary / 2000 hr ~= $/hr

Although I understand the equation, missing is the 'calm and gentle mind' that can work 'other problems' while driving. Thanks to an unfortunate choice in my younger years, I developed the ability to multiplex (some call it multitask thinking) and have used it to my advantage over the years.

Bob Wilson