I felt compelled to make this post after seeing some of the numbers other NAH drivers are achieving. It is particularly disturbing that some of the numbers are actually achievable in a non hybrid 6 cyl. vehicle. On the plus side, the less appealing a hybrid vehicle mpg looks the least amount of sales will occur and the longer the Fed rebate will exist (I think).
Anyhow here are the test specs, the non-variables are Temp. 21F, tire psi 40, warm engine, and cruise control.
The vehicle was accelerated to the test speeds 45-55-60-65 the cruise control was applied, odometer and mpg were reset each time. Due to those speeds, EV was not used. Last test was, 30 miles per hour in EV mode for ½ mile using cruise control and 3.3 miles in city, stop and go, EV and ICE mixed, no cruise control. I chose to back up the data with photos, which I am posting if I am able to. Some variables include wind direction, only one test was performed for each speed and in one direction, which will null this as a scientific test however it does give a general idea of the numbers and they coincide with the usual numbers I am achieving.

Test1
45MPH, w/CC achieved (41.1 mpg)


Test2
55MPH, w/CC achieved (40.6 mpg)


Test3
60MPH, w/CC achieved (36.6 mpg)


Test4
65MPH, w/CC achieved (31.5 mpg)


Test5
31MPH, w/CC in All EV Mode Achieved (99.9 mpg “max gauge capability”)

Test6
0-25MPH, no CC, stop and go 3.3 miles EV and ICE mix (63.9 mpg)

I do concede that these numbers are not as good as a HCH or Prius or Insight but my feeling is that a vehicle that can achieve 40MPG at 55 miles per hour is decent. I also admit that driving over 60MPH all the time will get you in the not so economic mode. . Hope this post provides some enlightenment and inspires some of us to drive more conservatively. I know the oil tycoons here in the US and the Oil sheiks of the middle east don’t want to here the word conservatively but this may be the way of the future,,, if not a necessity.

OK Could not figure out how to post pics, here is the site with the photos of the test results. http://www.thespoils.8m.com/