[bwilson4web]

I would like to offer "route planning" as a practical way to implement efficient driving:

1. Google map - use Google map to trace your normal commuting path
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

[suchham]

This an an excellent way to increase fuel efficiency. I use this to change my route to/from work and have seen an improvement of 3mpg with no increase in total miles driven. I highly recommend this idea.

[bwilson4web]

spinner said:

Another route option, which is relevant in the warm months, is to take routes that have plenty of shading from trees. The reason for this is that it will reduce the workload on your auto climate control, which is driven by the high-voltage battery pack and/or the engine. For the newer hybrid models this can also mean saving more of the battery charge since the A/C will not draw as much power (especially during auto idle stop).

It also means you get to smell the flowers like honeysuckle or magnola and often see if anyone is out fishin'.

Bob Wilson

[FastMover]

I am a long time advocate. Here is a link to an earlier post where I described my own process.

Route selection is also a part of my commute profile. I use two different routes each day, one to go to work and the other returning. Both routes are selected becasue they have steeper uphill segments and longer downhill segments that permit extended coasting (neutral charge/discharge). The routes also permit me to end with a charging segment and begin with a segment that requires the ICE anyway, so that the energy used for warmup is not wasted.

http://www.myhybridcar.com/forums/to...-pedigree.html

One thing I found essential when using route planning is a Scan Gauge or other means to determine accelerator pedal position. Having this information in real time permits faster, anticipated, inputs for power demands and releases while maintaing the required energy as close to the planned profile as possible. The precise anticipation aspect is much more efficient than reacting to changes in kinetic energy after they are perceived or "guesstimating" the required power change.

RFB

RFB