...point taken...but I do know that we are still considering building one so there has got to be money made in it but I guess we won't know until we try
Surely, the 44mpg is impressive. The 32mpg car I referred to is an ordinary MB E320, not a hybrid. Much continued good luck with your Prius.
At initial start-up, the gas engine will also start. This rapidly brings the engine up to its most efficient temperature and reduces wear. It takes 5-10 minutes to do this. If you only drive a Prius 8 minutes to the Starbucks and back, then you will likely average 30-35 mpg...but the tank will still last a long time!! If you drive a Prius with a lead foot, then you will get poorer mileage...just like any car. I have a friend with a Prius. He floors it on take-off, drives 80-85 on the freeway, and 10-15 mph over the speed limit on side roads and doesn't understand why he ONLY gets 40 mpg, when I get 50+. It's all relative He also thinks the EPA test are bogus. The EPA tests are not perfect, but they don't test at 80 mph either! There is an optimum ambient air temperature. Too cold and the engine runs more to maintain temperature. Too hot and the A/C runs. I would put the optimum at 65-75 degrees F. You will get better mileage, if you change the way you drive. Coast to red lights. Drive as if there is a raw egg under your foot. Use cruise control. AND all of these will work on any vehicle, not just a Prius. (Ferraris are exempt...)
true, Bryan. There are other side benefits to reasonable daily driving. One of those is longer brake life. Coasting up to red lights; using the transmission on hills. I have 78K on My Highlander. Brakes still good. 87K on my Tracker. Same. Tires last longer also. There is no need to be a "hot dog." BTW Ferraris are not an exception. Even on a "speed run." When I know I'm about half a mile from my exit, I back it off so that I don't have to brake hard for the light at the end of the ramp.
