I would like to offer "route planning" as a practical way to implement efficient driving:
- Google map - use Google map to trace your normal commuting path
- Look for warm-up startup - see if you can change your route to do the first 1-2 miles at say 25 mph, neighborhood speeds. This minimizes the engine load when it is cold and least efficient.
- Alternate cross-town routes - our hybrids are less subject to stop-and-go inertial losses and often instead of taking the 65-80 mph freeway, there may be shorter, intra-city routes in the 45-55 mph range that because of the shorter distance, often have similar cross town performance. Experiment because every town will have different traffic patterns. When descending, a gentle slope tends to pay off better than a sharp descent. When ascending, a sharp ascent at the slowest safe speed works best to convert fuel energy into potential energy.
- Look for EV or cool-down end - see if you can approach your normal ending point (work or home) for about 1-2 miles at 30-35 mph. Our hybrids will often use the battery charge on this last leg to give a great mileage boost.
As a practical example:
The first part cuts through the neighborhood, 25 mph, while the engine and vehicle systems warm up (including transaxle.) The middle part is in the optimum speed range, 0-38, 45-55 mph. The last leg is at ~30 mph and lets the traction battery provide maximum EV into work.
The key is we can change our commuting habits and choose routes that optimize our mileage. Alternate routes need to be tested to make sure they are practical and this typically takes me at least a week. But it pays benefits in lower gas bills.
Bob Wilson