Just got back from Hybridfest
 

Just got back from Hybridfest.. Had a good time and met several others from GH and CMPG. Screennames include, xcel, tbaleno, Hobbitt, tigerhonaker, Delta Flyer, Sledge, Citrusinsighter, Billy, envirocar.

Over 100 hybrids were there, mostly Prii. News coverage, etc..

The MPG challenge was interesting. I was among 3 Prius II drivers that pegged the display at 99.9. Hobbitt scored 99.2 and another had 97.2.

The 5 speed Insights fared better because thier displays go up to 150 MPG. They came in at 108, 117, 121 (the one with the 5th wheel and lots of extra batteries). Then at the end of the day, Wayne popped off a 150 MPG run.

Wayne asked me to do the run again with a scanguage plugged in. After calibration, my run was 115 MPG. Not too bad for a 4 door, 5 passenger CVT.

Made the 600 mile drive home in less than 9 hours. Cruising speeds were 75-80 with a 5-10 MPH tailwind. Still managed 51 MPG.:D

Hey Dan - Nice figures in the rally. Congrats.

And 51 MPG @ 75-80 is pretty astonishing, really. The wee FireFlea ran at 44.5 mpg(US) @ just 65 mph when I did my speed vs. mpg graph in early May (58 F). :eek:

I've been following the progress of that 5th wheel plug-in Insight at insightcentral.net and 99mpg.com. Fascinating project - hes' a talented builder. Glad to see the technology worked after all the effort that went into it.

Yes, the 5th wheel works quite well now. It is able to accel to 30 MPH with no issues. Mike D scored a 121 MPG on the challenge route. But that was with 400 lbs of extra batteries and apparatii. The two MIMA equipped Insights did 108 and 121 (with extra batteries). A stock Insight driven by a 16YO did 117MPG and Wayne had 150+ MPG. It doesn't look like MIMA has any benefits over standard hypermiling techniques.

Remember that I had a 5-10 MPH tail wind. So that puts me at 65-70 MPH.

I've wonder whether Prius highway mileage would go up without the batteries and electric motor. You don't use the batteries (much) at highway speeds. The Prius is already aerodynamic, and has an efficient Atkinson cycle engine. If you remove the heavy EV parts, rolling resistance should be lower.

Anybody actually do the test?

sludgy, man, i was thinkin the exact same thing!!!

Since i got my Yaris, and the drag is higher than the prius, i was thinking what the mpg would be with a gas only prius.

Why didn't you stick the mid back on for the competition?

I honestly didn't think it would be so easy. Had I drove the Prius at the TDS I would have been luck to hit 80. I was expecting the same at Hybridfest. Anyway, installing the MID on the Prius ECU is a PITA. Lots of wires and very cramped space. I will just borrow a scanguage next time. Note that wen I went out a second time i diud use the SG and got 115 MPG.

True enough, I suck.