while traveling from Arizona back to California this weekend past, my first "bad" mpg tank! But, the conditions were horrible: dust storms, wind storms, rain, cold...you get the picture. Cruise control set at 65, my average milage was at 42.5 at the end of the 400+ mile trip. (mpg went down as low as 37.5, my lowest reading while driving a long distance.) Still not too bad. Battery charge bar went down to one square while coasting downhill on the 1-10 freeway west into the Coachella Valley here in California. The thing is I couldn't really tell the car was being (wind) pushed against. Finally figured out the mileage was suffering due to the weather conditions. (Tried this trip a little faster at 65mpg, always around 49/48 range. I'm usually at 60mpg, 50+ each trip, however, each and every prior trips to/from Arizona, the conditions were great!)

Even though this occurred, the car did what it's supposed to do-run well! Truly having a great time learning/driving the 08' HCH II and remaining extremely impressed with technology and design!

Be well all, and happy, safe driving!

 

That's frustrating isn't it? I'm amazed at the difference a little headwind can make--even in a very aerodynamic car! Still, I have to chuckle a little bit when we complain about getting mileage in the high 30s . I guess we're spoiled!

How hilly is that drive? I find that using the cruise if it's at all hilly really hurts my mileage. That being said, I'm not afraid to drive as slow as 50mph going up a big hill if I have to... (and my wife isn't in the car to nag me )

 

K!

The commute is not too hilly. Just a couple of big, short climbs. Otherwise it's fairly flat.

Also, I've been meaning to send you a photo of my license plate. Sorry about the quality-I'll upload something better soon! You would not believe the comments, looks, etc., I get because of this. Hopefully, this will calm the cars that are driving behind me...or sitting behind me in traffic!

 

Great licence plate! Your milage is not bad considering the headwind conditions. We are spoiled by these cars! H

 

This is true, Harold!

Once you go Hybrid, you can't go back...actually, you can at 60mgg!

 

I like your plate! I haven't had a personalized plate for years (I'm too cheap now) but I've thought about "RMHIMPG". Unfortunately, when you read it like that it looks like RM Him PG, not the Rocky Mountain High MPG I'm going for.

I work with someone who drives an Insight with a plate that reads: NVMYMPG--I thought that was pretty smart.

Cheers,