The driver. ScanGaugeII has taught me some interesting things. I use *basic* hypermiling techniques:
- Obey speed limits (I'm often in the right lane with the slower traffic and allow other cars to pass)
- Use the highest gear possible
- When at speed, use a tiny bit of the gas pedal--just enough to keep it going. Don't mash down the gas pedal to get back up to speed--use just that tiny bit of the pedal.
- Choose fuel efficient routes (fortunately I can travel mostly highway)
- Don't try to maintain full speed on uphill (if no traffic behind me), try to pick up speed on downhills in anticipation of the next uphill (truckers do this)
- Don't try to gun it to come up to speed (I get there eventually :-) )
- Anticipate red lights and try to avoid having to use the brakes at all
- I don't use cruise control that often
- I try not the use the A/C or open the windows (but let's be real here :-) )
- Removed the junk from the trunk (including 65 pounds of my own personal "trunk" :-) )
These are all relatively easy and safe. Eventually a lot of these things simply become "habits", and you do learn "patience" when driving more slowly. I do not do anything intentionally to anger/annoy other drivers (I do not prevent those who wish to exceed the speed limit from passing me, and I am mindful of those behind me).
"Normal commutes":
- Before September 2010: 36mi each way, 80% highway
- October 2010-November 2012: 4mi each way, all back roads, small hills
- November 2012 and later: 19-20mi each way, usually back roads with traffic
Planned Mods:
I thought my 1995 Integra would be the last ICE car I'd ever own, given that EVs have been "just around the corner" forever. Then when it was time to retire the Integra, the closest thing I could replace it with was the 2008 Civic, another ICE. Now as the twenty-teens get underway, it seems that the ICE still reigns supreme. So I guess the next car I buy will still be ICE!
