I was wondering if someone could describe in writing the "pulse & glide" technique you all speak about. I have some ideas in my mind based on what seems logical.

Do you use gas to accelerate, then "glide" in electric only for extended periods? What is the max speed the Prius can go on electric only?

The Ford has a pre-programmed limit of 40 miles per hour that there seems to be no way around, even if coasting downhill. So I do my best to drive 39.9!

I own a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, and have learned to achieve Prius like mileage ( sustained 50+ MPG ) on city streets in my 4,000 pound vehicle. The only mods I did were: 1.) extra air in the tires (44psi) 2.) removed the roof rack cross members ( less air drag? ) and 3.) installed low wattage LED tail-lamps and turn-signal lamps.

I use battery ( as most do ) for zero to 20 or 25 miles per hour.
Then I use gas for about 30 to 60 seconds to get to 40 miles per hour...
Then, I use battery only to maintain about 35 miles per hour for up to 3 miles.

I have achieved nearly a 1:1 ratio. 1 mile off battery to 1 mile off gas.

( Or 3 miles off battery followed by 3 miles off gas. Rinse. Repeat. )

Ford, and most users, advocate using battery mostly for acceleration, and using gas to maintain constant speed. This nets up to 36 MPG.
Using battery to get rollin' and gas to accelerate in the middle, and using battery to maintain speed... I've added 50% to my mileage. I still can't believe it, but it has worked for the past 250 miles. I can't wait to pump gas and see how close the on-screen computer reading of 50MPG really is. Even if the computer is 10% off on the high side, this is still fabulous. After 246 miles, the dash message center says I still have 356 miles to go! Outstanding if true!

( I'll post an update after my tank finally gets empty! )

-John in Colorado