I want to thank Michelle Vadeboncouer for transcribing this fax for us today! It's a handout from Toyota to us "salespeople" that responds to the Prius mileage and EPA ratings. page 1: University of Toyota Hot Sheet The Latest Automotive Information for You and Your Customers February 2004 Prius Fuel Economy: Explaining the EPA Ratings The 2004 Prius is attracting a large audience that may be new to hybrid technolgy. Although this vehicle offers remarkable engineering, outstanding packaging and very low emissions, prospects may be most impressed by the fuel economy figures. Therefore, it is important that all sales consultants understand what the EPA-estimated mileage figures mean and how they should be used. It is equally important that customers understand this as they make their buying decision. The EPA mileage figures posted for all vehicles, including Prius, are estimates. The EPA-estimated ratings for Prius are 60 mpg city, 51 mpg highway and 55 mpg combined. However, many factors, including weather, tire pressure, terrain and vehicle load, will affect fuel economy. For these reasons, Prius drivers may not achieve the EPA estimates in real-world driving -- just as other drivers may not achieve their car's EPA-estimated fuel economy. The EPA fuel economy ratings are intended for comparison only, which means the serve as a useful guide for comparing the relative fuel efficiency of different vehicles. And, compared to other midsize cars, Prius is capable of achieving truly impressive and superior fuel economy. This Hot Sheet will help you and your customers better understand the EPA mileage figures. It includes a detailed look at the EPA mileage test, a discussion of factors that reduce fuel economy and tips for improving mileage. page 2: Understanding the EPA Tests * Mileage figures listed on the Monroney label come from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is an independent federal agency. * Manufacturers are required by law to use EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings on every Monroney label and can rely only on these ratings in advertising that quotes fuel economy figures. * The EPA tests reflect a portion of real-world driving conditions, but actual driving is highly variable. The EPA results serve as a guide by which all vehicles can be compared. * The EPA tests are conducted in a laboratory that simulates conditions to allow repeatable results. * The city miles-per-gallon (mpg) test simulates an 11-mile trip with 23 stops and an average speed of 20 mph. * The highway mpg test simulates a 10-mile trip with no stops and an average speed of 48 mph. * Both EPA tests simulate driving on a level, dry, straight road. * Both tests are conducted at 68-86 degrees with the vehicle's air conditioning turned off. * On the Monroney label, the EPA states "Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle's condition." * Beginning in 1985, EPA results were adjusted down to better reflect in-use experience from the early 1980s. These adjustments continue today, but may not reflect your individual experience. page 3: Factors That Reduce Fuel Economy Outside the controlled conditions of EPA tests, many factors can reduce vehicle mileage. The list below covers some of these factors. Remember that many vehicles, when driven in real-world conditions, will not achieve the EPA-estimated fuel economy figures. Nevertheless, Prius is capable of outstanding real-world mileage that is superior to every other midsize sedan. * Numerous short trips will reduce any vehicle's fuel economy. Every time a vehicle is started cold, it uses more fuel while warming up. * Cold weather can reduce any vehicle's fuel economy by 20-35% * Fuel economy suffers at speeds higher than about 65 mph and drops significantly above 70 mph. * Low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy significantly * The air conditioner and defogger (which automatically turns the air conditioner on in Prius and most other vehicles) use additional energy and decrease fuel economy. * Passengers and cargo add weight and decrease fuel economy. * Hilly terrain can cause the vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. * Windy, snowy or wet weather can cause the vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. * Rapid acceleration and heavy braking can also lower fuel economy for all vehicles. page 4: 8 Techniques to Improve Fuel Economy Although you may need not drive in any particular manner to get good fuel economy in Prius, if you want to get the best possible fuel economy, try the following tips: 1. Plan ahead; try to combine several short trips in order to minimize cold engine starts. 2. Accelerate at a moderate pace. 3. Monitor the flow of traffic to plan your moves well ahead. If traffic is slowing, use moderate early braking or coasting instead of hard braking to enhance fuel economy. 4. Monitor your highway speed. Fuel economy suffers at speeds higher than about 65 mph and drops significantly above 70 mph. 5. In slow-and-go traffic, accelerate to the desired speed, then lift off the throttle to maintain that speed under electric power. You may be able to sustain speeds in the 20-40 mph range in this way without the gasoline engine running. 6. Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure. 7. Don't carry unnecessary loads. Excess weight reduces fuel economy. 8. Use the air conditioning and defroster only as needed; both reduce fuel economy. Legal University of Toyota fine print here (fine print = smudgy in my fax) University of Toyota Toyota Product Education P/N 00622-04004-V
Thanks, Dianne. As if you haven't been taking enough of a beating with the supply issue... If you ever need someone to back up the EPA estimates then give me a call. I'm getting 55 MPG on my current (third) tank in combination driving and am totally satisfied.
