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Old 03-13-2014, 12:45 AM   #7 (permalink)
UltArc
Hydrogen > EV
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW Ohio, United States
Posts: 2,025

Silver Flea - '05 Honda Insight
90 day: 58.96 mpg (US)
Thanks: 994
Thanked 402 Times in 285 Posts
As usual, everyone is making great points.

I know you are specifically asking about a hypothetical situation- but to bring more reality (variables) into the situation, look into different ways to do it.

Other than what was mentioned above, I will suggest this:
-Coast down hill (engine off)
-When vehicle is within the lowest efficient speed for circumstance, start engine (for me it's ~57 mph)
-use CC to maintain that speed with the lowest fuel use possible

And even this can be altered. I do this to maintain a decent (to me) average speed, and not be slowing down too much. One could EOC to a lower speed, or when you have that set/adjusting speed, kick the engine on but control the throttle to decelerate at a slower rate, but not use as much fuel. Personally, when climbing multiple hills, I will CC up the hill until I approach the top. This is usually indicated by the truck/slow lane ending soon (which I travel in). When I see this, it is fair that the lane crest is near. If there is little to no traffic, I will coast down to mid 20s. If there is traffic and I can do it safely, 30s. More aggressive traffic, then the minimum highway speed or 40.

Moral of story- mostly everything is more efficient than full throttle uphill, and braking downhill. What works best (or well) for you will be decided by your vehicle, circumstances on the road, and driving technique.
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Best Tanks:
Mustang - 54.83 mpg (US) at the Green Grand Prix
Insight - 82.91966 mpg (US) over 818.5 miles.
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