Got a new commute, 7 vs 21 miles - looking at commuting options - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bradwoodbr · 01-13-2011, 12:11 AM

Stick with your car. It is going to be three times more economical to drive to the new job than the old.

bestclimb · 01-13-2011, 02:48 AM

I was thinking the same thing. It may be more efficient to use what you got. Pile on block heaters to get the thing up to temp quick so you pay less of a cold start penalty as you won't have the distance to make up for it.

Daox · 01-13-2011, 10:42 AM

It sounds like there are many possibilities, which I really like! I'll really have to wait until summer to see how viable biking will be. Motorcycling will be an option and I'm sure used often in summer. The Paseo or Prius is an option, but I think my efficiency will suffer quite a bit from the short trips, block heater use would be a must. An EV car would be really fun to build, the downside being that there is substantial cost there. I don't think I'd sink the money into an EV motorcycle as the utility is quite a bit lower and if I'm going to sink money into an EV I'm going to want to use it year round.

MetroMPG · 01-13-2011, 10:54 AM

Might be more carpool opportunities at the new place, too.

Daox · 01-13-2011, 12:13 PM

Ah yes, how could I forget about carpooling! I currently carpool almost every day with my wife. At the new work place I will no longer be able to carpool with her, but others are a possibility.

eagletalon · 01-15-2011, 03:32 PM

^^^ agreed with him. Also I wouldn't suggest walking either with the uneven terrain. You will end up spending more on another surgery and you will be loosing work days. Then that will be a loose-loose situation.

RobertSmalls · 01-15-2011, 04:01 PM

One third the distance? Get a Jeep!

What does the commute look like? Lots of stops? Are highway speeds necessary?

The EV idea is interesting, but EV conversions can get expensive. I'm sure the cheapest option is to just drive the Paseo, considering how few miles it is per year.

comptiger5000 · 01-15-2011, 05:07 PM

Lol at the get a Jeep comment. I agree with the above that the Paseo is likely your best bet cost-wise.

NHRABill · 01-17-2011, 01:33 AM

If I were you, I would use what you have. It sounds like you need some sort of suspension under you and that the speeds are too high on the gravel for a motorcycle/scooter to operate safely with other vehicles on the road.

You may not get the grreat MPG but you sure will turning that odometer a whole lot less. When you do your year end cost savings you still end up way ahead and you will have the extra time as at the cost of a few MPG's.

Congrats on the new Job

vinny1989 · 01-22-2011, 09:56 AM

Id have to second whoever mentioned and e-scooter. Or convert that honda you have! If your not using it, then its just begging to be an EV.. Keep one of the cars for when its bad weather..