Prius Question

[MetroMPG]

I got some training from krousdb at hybridfest on just this subject.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but use of N will also prevent the engine from spinning up (adding some mechanical drag) if speed goes over 42 mph in a downhill glide.

[fshagan]

The Prius employs "engine braking" (actually, electric motor braking) if you simply take your foot off the gas pedal in doing a "pulse and glide", so the proper technique is to apply very slight pressure to the pedal. The slight pressure prevents the ICE from coming back on (it shuts off when you start coasting). You can use the display to show when you are using electric rather than gas power and you'll soon get the hang of it.

You can drive quite a distance on "electric only" at about 38 MPH using this technique. Above that speed, the ICE seems to kick in unless you are decelerating. Getting up to 38 MPH usually requires the ICE (I've been able to accelerate only to about 18 MPH on electric only). There is a "pulse and glide" technique for that kind of city driving ... you slowly start out, then when the ICE kicks in you apply more gas to get to about 40 MPH, then back off the gas with just slight pressure on the gas pedal and enjoy the gas-free ride.

[Matt Herring]

My friend inflated to near-max psi today and I've been forwarding all the great info to him. He's hooked so hopefully he can pull some good numbers and approach 65 mpg (at avg 58 mpg right now). Keep the good info coming...I appreciate all the feedback for him to use!

[PaleMelanesian]

If you watch the energy flow screen, you want to see NO arrows anywhere for a glide. This point is with very slight pressure on the gas pedal - just above completely off. You can then pop into neutral, or hold your foot just so to maintain the glide. If you just hit it into neutral without the no-arrows first, the engine will continue to idle. You need a scangauge to see this. The built-in display looks like it's off, but it's still running. That detail cost me probably 2 mpg at the WFEC last month.

There's a TON of information about driving the Prius over at Cleanmpg, more than I could ever mention here. I'd suggest going and looking there.