Hey, Wayne. As I said in my disclaimer, "I've owned a hybrid for 1 week. The advice I am sometimes shunning comes from much more experience hybrid drivers." I am an admitted rookie.

The difference in tanks 1 & 2 may be slightly temp related, but before the long trip, my FE was right at my average of the second tank. All of the increase came on that trip. Of course, that's the way it's suppose to work - 29 city - 37 hwy. I'm actually getting about 32 city and 40ish hwy (the "ish" is dependent on overall increase/decrease of sea-level - could be 36 or 48).

I agree (remember disclaimer again) that pack-power is the least thing I rely on, as well. It does help, but not as much as sensible driving. I can verify, as you guess, there is charging that is not strong enough to show up on the meter. There are times when I'm at 3 bars and then I'm at 4 - no sign of charging in the interim.

I've mentioned the we occasionally go to Ruidoso. I expect 44 or better round trip based on what I've seen so far. I'm looking forward to trying it, but it may be a few months off.

'05 Accord Hybrid
'05 Odyssey EX-L
'03 1800 Goldwing
'98 Civic EX (16 yr. old daughter's)