How do you drive to get the best MPG on the TCH?

[jenningspaige]

We're only on the second tank of gas on our new TCH, but it seems to me we definitely get the best mpg on the highway. I thought it was supposed to be better in the city? We get about 38-40 mpg on the highway and only about 32-36 mpg in the city. Why? I don't consider myself to be a wild driver by any means. I accelerate normally and brake normally. Anyone know how to get better mpg? Or will it get better in time?

[schmidtj]

Originally Posted by jenningspaige

We're only on the second tank of gas on our new TCH, but it seems to me we definitely get the best mpg on the highway. I thought it was supposed to be better in the city? We get about 38-40 mpg on the highway and only about 32-36 mpg in the city. Why? I don't consider myself to be a wild driver by any means. I accelerate normally and brake normally. Anyone know how to get better mpg? Or will it get better in time?

Staying under 42 MPH increases you chances of staying in Electric Vehicle Mode (EV).
The more time you are in EV mode the better you mileage on average.
A common Hybrid driving technique includes moderate (more than light) acceleration to a speed slightly over your target, release accelerator pressure and allow car to drop into EV mode, then maintain constant target velocity with gentle accelerator pressure. This works only under 42 mph.
Over 42mph you won't get true EV mode operation.
J

[rplauffer]

Question In all the postings concerning how to get the best MPG, I've never seen anyone mention the use of the speed control. I would thing that option could apply the gas more efficiently than my foot on the petal.

[jenningspaige]

It probably has a lot to do with where we live. Here in Fresno, most of the speed limits on the city streets are 40 - 50 mph and people generally go over that anyway. So you have to get up to speed and then there are still plenty of lights that bring you a stop. Not good for gas mileage. The rest of the time we use the freeways cuz they're always pretty open to get to your destination faster. Oh well....

[schmidtj]

Originally Posted by rplauffer

Question In all the postings concerning how to get the best MPG, I've never seen anyone mention the use of the speed control. I would thing that option could apply the gas more efficiently than my foot on the petal.

Cruise control does a better job than I do. YMMV. Pun intended.
J

[kdhspyder]

Originally Posted by rplauffer

Question In all the postings concerning how to get the best MPG, I've never seen anyone mention the use of the speed control. I would thing that option could apply the gas more efficiently than my foot on the petal.

The problem with cruise control is that you don't get the benefit of 'coasting' either in EV mode or at idle speed. As soon as your speed drops below the set limit the injectors shoot some fuel into the ICE. It keep the speed constant but it uses just that much more fuel.

As noted just above aiming a little above your target speed then coasting with no pressure on the pedal to below your target is very efficient.

To the OP there are a couple of very important questions to be asked:
A) How long are your 'city' trips normally?
B) Describe your personal 'city' driving. There are at least 5 that I can think of:
..1) crawling out of Manhattan at rush hour
..2) stuck on the freeways of LA
..3) cruising in your neighborhood looking at houses
..4) rolling through a congested suburban area like a shopping mall
..5) coming home off the highway in your neighborhood going from stop sign to stop sign to stop sign.

[herbQ]

Hi, yes I agree on the highway mileage being higher than the EPA numbers. To me the numbers seem almost reversed. I have 4,000 miles on the Hybrid and have been averaging 42.3, mostly highway, and much mountain. I have found that by using the vertical bar graph and seeing what is going on minute by minute, you get a better feel for driving for true high miles. The one thing that seems to help is upon entering a freeway, accelerate quickly if the on ramp is slightly downhill and utilize the downslope to get to speed. If possible, immediately engage the cruise and let the car take it from there. You will find that the mileage for the hard acceleration phase will cost only .1/10 mpg,i.e. one tenth of a mile per gallon, using the trip numbers on the vertical bar graph page. If your location has much steep hill or mountain driving, you will find the cruise control is totally ineffective in maintaining the downhill speed, as there is no engine retardation. Use the "B" transmission position, it is magnetic and incurrs no brake pad wear, hang on the first time you engage it, very effective. Just cycle in and out of B as needed. Hope you find this info helpful.

[schmidtj]

I purchased an '07 XLE-V6 for the wife in March. The TCH was not yet available. I got my '07 TCH in early July.
Using the techniques learned to maximize mileage on the TCH in the XLE I found I can get remarkable mileage even on the V6.
High 20s city and 35+ highway.
The XLE's highway mileage is reasonably close to the TCH's but with the V6 it really is a better road machine. With only a 5 mpg "hit" in FE we've been using the XLE for trips and it's full sized trunk is nice too.

So I wonder if EVERYONE used hybrid driving techniques even on conventional cars the spread between conventional mileage and hybrid mileage might be reduced? Could even reduce dependence on imported oil? Cure the common cold? You name it.

J