Quote:
Originally Posted by minerval
Here's my challenge and I am in need for all kind of suggestions and input for driving strategy. - I live in Texas, where major interstate highway speed limit is usually at 70 MPH.
- The neighborhood I live in, the route I take for everyday commute, usually the speed limit is 45-55 MPH.
- I have my 2007 Prius - Woody, for about 2 months.
- The best MPG I have made it this far is about 45MPG which included few much longer trips for special events. At the moment, current tank which is more close to my everyday usage, 40% tank gone, I am at 44.1 MPG.
With that said, what's the best driving strategy when we get on to I-35 where speed limit is 70MPH ?
Thank you in advanced. |
I have a very similar commute in terms of the requirement to access the freeway system (average speeds 75 - 80; no really that's what they are) for approximately 15-20 miles each day. With the same concern for my personal safety, I have to maintain speeds over 65
mph.
What I have found works best is a version of P&G at highway speeds. I no longer use cruise control as it exclusively geared toward maintaining a fixed speed and with with the hilly nature of my commute, I lose 5-6 mpg using cruise control.
Second, I use the anticipatory tactics described by the previous post and anticipate my uphill sections by slowly increasing speed on the downhill or flat sections leading up to the uphill and then allowing the speed to "bleed" down until the crest. My speed will fluctuate, during my commute, by as much as 15
mph so it is important I stay in the right lane thereby reducing the impact on other traffic. I also note that when there is heavier traffic and there are cars in my lane behind me, I will abandon the low end of my
mph range and maintain speed out of courtesy to the other drivers.
With more active use of the accelerator and gliding I now regularly achieve mpg in the 52 - 55 range (actual calculations based on fill up gallons vs mileage as opposed to the computer "estimate"). Now, keep in mind this is with a highway/city ratio of 60/40 in my case.
I also found, with a great deal of surprise, that I appear to achieve a better overall mpg if I allow the vehicle to extend into the upper range of the
mph spectrum than when I try to stay at or near the posted speed limits (65 - 70). The only explanation I can come up with is that I am able to "glide" for longer periods of time coming off of the higher speeds and I do a more effective job now of "lightly" accelerating back up to the upper speeds. I don't have a computer hooked up to my Prius, so this is simply anectodal evidence and not supported empirically.
The key, however, is to also maximize your mpg when you can use the city streets. This helps to offset some of the inefficiencies of highway driving.
Try it out and see if your results show improvement.
Good luck.
UTpiper