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Mileage in super hot weather?

Discussion in 'Prius v Fuel Economy' started by art_vandelay, Dec 18, 2013.

  1. art_vandelay

    art_vandelay New Member

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    So, I've heard Prius gets better mileage in warmer weather. I live in Phoenix though, where highs regularly exceed 110 fahrenheit in the summer. At that point, doesn't mileage start to decrease (either by virtue of A/C working overtime, or just decreased battery performance)?
     
  2. catgic

    catgic Mastr & Commandr Hybrid Guru

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    Art_Vandelay -The Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive delivers the best fuel economy in warmer climates, like Deep-South Dixieland, Florida, Hawaii, AZ, NM, NV, SoCal and TX, at the time during the year when the daytime outside ambient air temperatures (OATs) are in the low 60s to low 80s (Fahrenheit) range most of the time. Warm outside ambient air temperatures serve to shorten the duration of the warm-up period and length of the "thirsty" Initial Start/Restart “Rich-Burn” Mode of fuel consumption.

    Once the OATs drop below or rise above this “Happy Hybrid” operating range, air conditioner or heater use works to lower running MPG.

    Of course, this “Hit” to MPG in Hot-Cold operating environs is true for conventional, ICE-Only powered vehicles.
     
  3. 70AARCUDA

    70AARCUDA Active Member

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    So, what is the typical MPG-"hit" for temperatures exceeding 100ºF?
     
  4. Technigogo

    Technigogo Member

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    Can you live without air conditioning?


    iPad ? HD
     
  5. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    I have no trouble getting 47, its certainly far better than in freezing temps. Using ECO mode helps. The AC isn't as hard on MPG as some folks around here would have you believe.
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I am going to jump in here and urge you to get lower MPG.

    The same A/C that keeps YOU cool and comfortable is cooling your batteries and keeping them comfortable and longer lasting. Do not skimp on A/C.

    (Frequently, it is not the heat, it is the humidity. I was a fry cook in Phoenix, it was the heat)
     
  7. 70AARCUDA

    70AARCUDA Active Member

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    ...and the Devil sighed, "...yes, but it's a HUMID heat during our monsoon Hades season..." (wink,wink)
     
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  9. 70AARCUDA

    70AARCUDA Active Member

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