Re: Heat versus mileage on 2005 FEH
Since GreenHybrid is a source for real-world data from actual hybrid drivers, think it is appropriate to report trips that shows how heat/AC effects fuel economy. Sure others take similar trips that could report as well.
I drove from Ventura to San Diego in ~90° degree heat with AC recycle on, family of 4 and our two Dalmatians, where I got 31.5MPG. Drove back at night with same vehicle load, but driving in cooler temperatures without AC resulted in 34MPG. Also, on the way down I was driving an average of 65MPG (even in 70MPH zones) but on the way back I averaged 70MPH. Based on this, seems like AC use (for cabin and battery pack) drops FEH fuel efficiency by 2.5MPG or more considering speed difference. Also the heat probably increased tire rolling resistance, but I had my tires inflated to 44psi (max cold pressure rating).
-Dan
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