Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead
AeroStealth just did a quick and dirty test cycle, that any member could do. He's posted the info at the fossil fuel free forum.
For decades there's existed a myth ( folk knowledge) that, hybrids and BEVs get 'better' mpg in the city. The claim is a physics 'FAIL', to be taken specifically within the context of existing urban traffic, much of it, manufactured by traffic engineers, for whatever reason, who've failed to synchronize the traffic lights they install.
I suppose that they're called traffic lights because they create traffic.
Anyway, AeroStealth's little exercise put some numbers within easy reach.
If the United States ever gets public education, no high-schooler will ever make it behind the wheel of a car until they understand the actual physics of an automobile.
The Texas Governor's Office published the results of official testing done on the subject in 1988. American motorists were losing $62 for every $1 not spent on traffic light synchronization.
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Hybrid and EVs do get better fuel economy in the city compared to highway driving No laws of physics need to be broken. They get better mileage in the city because speeds are lower. Driving 70 - 80 mph consumes a lot of energy.
AeroStealth drove a loop at a steady 40 mph and then again with 6 30 second stops. I don't know of anyone that thinks adding stops will improve MPG. The surprising thing to me from his test was how poorly the truck did on the loop with stops. I wasn't expecting 55% greater fuel consumption with the stops.