I love the new TCH and am getting around 40 mpg on the highway. However, my city driving is terrible in the 28 mpg range.

What am I doing wrong?

Any tips for a new hybrid driver are greatly appreciated.

Jim

 

It's going to take a few weeks for you to get used to drive it. Do a quick search on "Pulse and Glide".

For me, my city driving is about 42 and 55 highway. Basically, It's anticipation. I live at about 1650 feet above sea level, and all my clients are about 400ft lower. So going to see them, I'm getting 70~75. Coming home is a whole other story. I've learned to accelerate fairly hard on the downhill and flat runs BEFORE the hills, and then glide up the next hill.

Also, avoid stops. So, start breaking MUCH sooner, try to keep a fair amount of space in front of you so that traffic at the next light is moving again before you reach them.

When stopped on at an uphill light, I just gas it. Use the power you have to get up to speed and don't waste you battery on it.

On the flat areas, go ahead and **** people off. take off slow and easy. I call it Granny Driving. I like to see how many people will pass and flip me the bird, then I try to figure out how much that cost them

 

Review the FAQ in my signature for information on mileage

 

Looks like Intrus covered just about everything. When I first bought my '07 TCH I found any quick takeoffs from a red light was pulling down my gas mileage.

I might add: I drive in town about 37/38 miles per hour when I can. I also use the cruise control when in town. I use it on the highway and small roads. The cruise is nice on rough roads where you have to go slow. Any braking or a quick pull the cruise lever will release it.

Most do better my not using the cruise in hilly areas.