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Hybrid Prius that gets over 100 Miles per Gallon
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I do not think they have overcome the problems inherent in Li-Ion batteries to the point they will be used by Toyota to build a PHEV. That 100 MPG Prius was a gimmick car sent to Great Britain to get those folks interested in hybrids. It is not an easy sell where there are many choices of fuel efficient cars. This is discussion of PHEV so I will add this from your link.
Q: Is this the kind of battery that would be used if a plug-in hybrid system is developed?
GS: A system like that might use nickel-metal hydride or lithium ion batteries. Plug-in systems need significantly more capacity than currently exists in the batteries in our hybrids. Toyota is exploring the possibilities for plug-in hybrids, but has made no determination about them.
Q: What about the third-party suppliers who are converting Prius and some other hybrids to plug-in use?
GS: Toyota's current hybrids are not designed for larger traction batteries, and the company discourages these modifications, which void the vehicle's warranty. The conversions that I'm aware of are very costly, add significant weight to the vehicle, and have not gone through the rigors of full engineering evaluation such as brake balance, crash testing and durability.
I should point out that you need to wait until 2009 to reach the same age. Also, the items he listed as failed do not come under the extended emissions warranty, so the owner pays.
Please report back in 2009...
Because the items he mentioned are not part of the "hybrid warranty", and have a 3 year / 36K (or possibly 50K) warranty.
... for a smaller vehicle that doesn't provide the 70-80 Cubic feet of cargo space that a small SUV or CUV will provide. (or 35 Cubic feet with five passengers). The Prius fills it's designed space nicely, but isn't for everyone.
OK, good for you, I was responding to the quote about "2012, when the hybrid warrantee expires." [sic]
Well, since I periodically go to gas stations, I suppose I smile to and from them also. But in fact I smile every time I get in my own "grail-mobile" (not a guzzler, but not a hybrid either). Different strokes... :shades:
any tips on that?
1. You had to charge the "traction battery" up to normal operating state of charge. That takes exra energy.
2. All components of the car need to be broken in - that takes extra energy.
3. You may need to learn to drive for better mileage.
4. The car is still "learning" how to operate efficiently.
5. Tire pressure! Make sure the tires are inflated correctly. Many Prius owners inflate to 42 PSI front, 40 PSI rear, for better fuel economy. At least make sure they are inflated as per the door jamb placard.
6. Were you in "D" or "B"? "B" will substatially lower your mileage if you drive in it. It's for keeping the car under control on very long decents without having to ride the brakes - think mountain passes here.
It's normal for poor mileage when new. If you are basing your entire mileage experience on a 13 mile trip you will be forever disappointed. Way too small sample!
Drivers with a heavy foot -average- 40 to 45 MPG. Drivers who learn how to drive the Prius (takes a few months usually) will get 45 worst case, and 55 typically. Expect lower mileage with heater or A/C on constantly. High speed will also lower mileage - speed greater than 65 MPH.
Finally, how do you know what your mileage was? MFD readout? Wait until you get 3 or 4 tanks under your belt before worrying about calculating mileage. Due to the fuel tank "bladder" you will find it difficult to fill the tank to the same degree of "full" each time. So that's also a false calculation fuel mileage trap you have to watch out for.
i drove the car for another 30 commuting miles yesterday and today. seems the number gets better. 40mpg average.
then i reset consumption for the last 3 mile really jammed high way, turns out to be 70mpg.
the tip is that, dont step on gas unless you have to...
once the gas engine kicks in, the consumption goes up.
it will be a nice commuter car...
Since I live in Buffalo-NY, severe winters are a fact of life. For the 1700 miles I drove in February 2007, my mpg average was 47. For the 5955 miles I drove between May and September 2006 my mpg average was 57.
These figures are based upon filling the tank to the same exact level each time, i've found it impossible to rely on the fuel consumption trip gauge-it is sometimes 3mpg high,other times 3mpg low.
What are my secrets: disciplining myself to drive 60mph for 80% of my interstate drives. I save my 65mph stints for downhill and wind advantage stretches or when necessary to pass slower traffic. Since I do much nightime driving, this is really not as unreasonable as some might think.
The other is to maximize coasting/lower speed driving, so as to minimize full stops at traffic signals. It makes no sense to speed up only to have to come to a full stop-look ahead and try to predict when the traffic light will change. Anything you can do to minimize accelerating from full stops will in the long run improve your FE.