Toyota Prius Breaks Hybrid Fuel Econ Record In Cross Country Trip
A Toyota Prius has just set a world record for fuel efficiency, averaging over 93 MPG on a coast-to-coast trip across the United States.
Coast-to-Coast Journey on Minimal Fuel
This Toyota Prius LE has redefined fuel efficiency, setting a new Guinness World Record by averaging an astonishing 93.158 miles per gallon (MPG) during a 3,211.7-mile trip from Los Angeles to New York. This remarkable feat was achieved by Wayne Gerdes, a well-known hypermiling expert, whose journey crossed deserts, climbed mountains, and withstood extreme temperatures exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Man Behind the Record
Wayne Gerdes is no stranger to hypermiling, a driving technique focused on squeezing every possible mile from a gallon of gas. His journey from the West Coast to the East Coast wasn’t just about driving; it required extensive planning and adaptability. "You can’t just go sight unseen into doing this," Gerdes explained. His strategy included mapping out an efficient route while dealing with unforeseen circumstances such as city traffic and mountainous terrain. His techniques—gentle acceleration, maintaining even pressure on the accelerator, and coasting toward stops—were essential in achieving such high fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy That Exceeds Expectations
Although the Toyota Prius LE is rated at an already impressive EPA-estimated 57 MPG, Gerdes' hypermiling brought that figure to an unprecedented level. While Toyota acknowledges that the 93.1 MPG achieved is not typical, it shows the potential of what the Prius can do in the hands of an expert driver. It’s estimated that Gerdes only used 34.5 gallons of gasoline throughout the journey, and with a fuel tank capacity of 11.3 gallons, he may have made as few as two to three fuel stops along the way.
The Legacy of the Prius
The Toyota Prius has been a fuel economy icon for over two decades, and the latest generation, launched in 2023, proves that it’s still at the forefront of efficient driving. Toyota’s marketing vice president, Michael Tripp, echoed this sentiment: "The Prius has impressed us all for the past 23 years, and frankly, it continues to wow us today." The record-setting drive is just another testament to the Prius’s engineering excellence, adding to its reputation as a standout hybrid.
Breaking Previous Records
This accomplishment also shattered a previous record set in 2016 by a Kia Niro, which averaged 76.6 MPG on a similar cross-country trip. The Prius' fuel efficiency not only topped the Kia Niro’s previous record but also reignited the discussion of how far hybrid technology has come. Gerdes’ achievement shows that hybrids can be just as noteworthy as fully electric vehicles, offering exceptional fuel economy without needing a large battery pack.
