|
I took another crack at the "new route" today with 70 degree temps and dry roads. I'm convinced the new route does not produce better mpg for me despite having a more favorable terrain. The increased traffic (whether I run it at 8am, 11am or 1pm...the normal times I drive to work) is just too much congestion to produce better mpg than my "old route."
There's a shopping center at about mile 7 of 12 on the new route and it clogs the roadway and forces me to halt my coast or EV glide every time. Near that same shopping center there is a stop light and I've hit it on RED every run...never being able to coast through it (and because of the added traffic an EV mode start from the light isn't really being a "good driver" as the drivers behind me don't appreciate the crawl).
I've had 6 good runs on the new route and only 1 produced better result than the old route (ironically the one that tempted me to try the new route). Not to mention, even if I equal or get a tick over better mpg on the new route...I still have to do much better mpg on the new route because it is 1 mile longer than the old route (using more fuel to go the extra 1 mile).
With no cars on the road the new route blows away the old route...I estimate by about 3 mpg from the point where new and old route split. Maybe I'll take a 4am test drive (when there's no or little traffic) to work to see what the results are on new and old route just for kicks.
It was worth the try as my old route was getting a little stale and despite only having the car 2 months I feel like I'm topping out on my mpg (with only higher temps on my side to increase mpg). Outside of the 22 miles I drive round trip for work I really don't drive much outside of that (maybe 100 miles for errands on a 450 mile tank). So, maximizing my work commute is essential to maximizing my mpg.
On my MFD, I'm stuck in the 62-64 mpg range and now looking elsewhere for opportunities to grab some mpg. Right now I'm at 62.2 mpg on my MFD after 205 miles and scrambling to recoup some of the mpg I lost testing out the new route (again, it was worth the effort). Hopefully, I can get over 63.2 mpg on my MFD by next fill and set a new tank high.
Anybody want to offer some fairly easy mods to help me out (preferably ones that do not alter the physical appearance of the car)?
FYI - I'm going to stop by my Toyota dealer tomorrow (where I bought my Prius) and offer to partner with them to teach new Prius drivers (and anyone else) how to maximize mpg. Some of you may remember I started my Super Commuter Driving School last Fall and with gas prices starting to creep up it's a good time to pick up some extra cash. I'm working on a simple brochure I'll try to have them add to their customer packets when someone buys a car...keep 'em crossed!
|