Most of my recals are in the summer when I'm stuck in traffic with the A/C on. I habitually toggle the A/C off when accelerating, then engage it on cruise.

 

Terry,

You're right on about that and that is a HUGE positive point for the HCH II (and even a Prius in that case) for them having the electric A/C. For the most part I do what Chuck says, turn off the A/C until cruising speed. That being said, a lot of people aren't quick on their toes - they can't rub their bellies and pat themselves on the head at the same time while saying the alphabet backwards. Because of my work, I'm used to vehicles with LOTS (80-90) of switches and buttons so it doesn't really bother me.

 

zimbop,

I did my 25-mile work commute today and averaged 70mph or close. Got 64.1mpg so doing 60mpg is definitely possible....

 

Sounds good. What happens in that car if you drive your normal route forgetting that it's a hybrid and ignoring any conservation techniques, driving it like a regular car? Of course I'm not asking you to actually do that (I wouldn't ask you to wreck your average for me) but make your best guess based on your experience. Thanks.

-Andy-

 

My Crystal Ball says aggressive driving/varied speed could deduct 10mpg, down to 54.1mpg. I did 64.1, so 60mpg should not be that hard to do. The main thing is to keep a constant speed.

 

Hey Andy, I saw Chuck's post this morning so I decided to check my commute. Let me first mention something that hasn't been mentioned as well. The Insight has FOUR FCD readouts. Trip A, Trip B, FCD and Lifetime. That makes it really easy to reset for each commute. I find that when I do reset for each commute the mileage goes up as I'm more aware I'm in a hybrid.

My commute today was 89.4 miles roundtrip at 76.1 MPG. Cruising speeds anywhere from 55 to 68, I topped the 68 MPH into the 70's but didn't cruise there long. For my location when I drive "normal" (faster - aka = borderline idiot like everyone else around here) I get around 64 MPG. Today I tried not to block traffic but I did, the speed limitk was 60 and I stayed right about 66 MPH for the majority of the trip. There was quite a bit of bumper to bumper/ stop-go city traffic involved too.

Hope that helps a bit more.

AL

 

....actually it might be an average speed a little slower than 70, but I was between 65-75 most of the commute.

I hope this establishes keeping a constant speed really helps the fuel economy...

 

I drove my 2000 Insight from Phoenix to Philadelphia, alone, and made 62 mpg, and never had a backache. Went there for a 6 month job, and was able to haul everything I needed (clothes, etc.)...no furniture, though

 

This is all good info, thanks. Keep it coming.

 

Believe it or not, the Insight has better legroom than the front seats of the new (and bigger) Civic Hybrid!