Xringer's Prius C

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Daox

In town (under 40 mph in a gen2 not sure about the C), the Prius is far better off using P&G. Doing so is incredibly simple. The engine will run until it is warmed up. Then, simply accelerate up to desired speed, let off the gas pedal, then slightly apply a tiny bit of gas again. The engine should die and you're coasting. When you're ready to pulse again simply press down the pedal more. Rinse and repeat. Its very pretty easy to hit 100+ mpg in my gen 2 using this technique.

The C is even easier, it has an engine kill switch labled "N"

Anyway
How much throttle to get 100mpg? The C always seem race the engine when I tried to P&G because the battery was always dead (no regen when you coast).

[Daox]

If you are gliding correctly you shouldn't be using any battery power (though it is easy to use if you don't pay close attention), and shouldn't be draining the pack hardly at all. I use the scangauge to monitor if I'm using power or regenning, its an X-gauge that you have to program in. Its much more accurate than my OEM display as it shows you actual amps in and out of the pack. I think the newer Prius' have a bar that shows assist/regen, right?

I also use my scangauge to monitor my acceleration. I normally accelerate around 2000-2400 rpm. I have yet to see a BSFC map for the Prius C's engine, that would show you the optimal rpm range to use.

[Xringer]

I guess using N is what's killing the battery. When I'm driving, this display


is constantly showing arrows depicting the flow of electrical power into and out of the battery.
The SOC is always going up and down as I drive.

When I'm coming up on a stop, just getting off the gas regens..
And around here, we come to a stop many-many times during most trips..

[Daox]

Ah yes, I forgot to mention that. The Prius does not use regen in neutral!

[Xringer]

I guess that you would really need at least a 1/4 of a mile to P&G or coast in 'N'..

In the big city, when the stops are 1/8 of a mile apart.. Regen is needed,
so you can get a nice EV launch off your stops.
And if you never get up over 45 MPG (between stops) and have a good SOC,
you are going to get some major EV, between stops..

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Xringer

I guess that you would really need at least a 1/4 of a mile to P&G or coast in 'N'..

Regen is needed,
so you can get a nice EV launch off your stops.
you are going to get some major EV, between stops..

On my little drive I used regen whenever I needed to brake because the C has a real shifter its easy to shift back and forth and into B as well. (but most of my stops were from 10mph or less) I found I could stay into EV mode a long time with 2-3 bars per the display putting along at 10-18mph on side streets. (if I pushed the gas pedal to go much faster the motor wanted to start)

I did get a fairly decent amount of EV range despite the fact I never went over 3bars on the battery, I find it odd that I didn't get even better than I did as driving somewhat similar in my cobalt would have been in the 60's FE wise.
I guess the 8mpg starting FE than my poor driving behavior out the door probably killed the trip fuel economy

I think if I got the car I would eventually sort out how to drive so the thing isn't racing to charge the battery at 25mph getting 12mpg.

[Xringer]

I just went over to the dealership (about 6 miles) and got 70 MPG on the way over.
Everything was smooth and had minimal braking.

On the way back, the nuts came out of the woodwork. Horrible drive.

Got the inspection sticker on the car, but MPG dropped to 55 on the way back..
The big hill didn't help much either..

In regular east coast city driving conditions, I think you can do pretty well.
Just turn on ECO, don't jack rabbit and coast up to stopped traffic, lights etc.
Besides those two things, it's pretty much like regular driving,
but you get very good MPG..

I have not yet heard of anyone getting in 90-100 Mpg range..
The way the 'c' is set up, it might not even be possible to do during a normal commute.

[MetroMPG]

I'm sure there are some who will be able to do it, but the catch is how you define a "normal" commute (and how many cyclists would pass the car along the way! ).

It's a very fun sounding car.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I'm sure there are some who will be able to do it, but the catch is how you define a "normal" commute (and how many cyclists would pass the car along the way! ).

It's a very fun sounding car.

I am wondering if a Gen II is actually more hypermilable than the C.

I won't be in for a while, hopefully by then someone answers that question.

[Xringer]

I was amazed today when I saw another Red c 2 at the dealership today..
Why was it still sitting there?? I was temped to ask if it was sold or not!
It didn't have any paint chips on the hatch, like this one!