billy
04-05-2007, 11:42 AM
Yesterday we had calm winds and near 70 F temps in the afternoon, so I took the 2005 Insight out for some tests. Finding expansive sections of flat, near-deserted country roads here in eastern WA is pretty easy. 58 lbs of pressure in the Potenza's is nice; that car just rolls!
Certainly the Insight has one of the most sensitive gas pedals known to man -- just the tiniest pressure from my stocking-clad toes makes a difference.
For maximum P&G mpg, I had previously established that 12 mph is a pretty good minimum speed (floor). The real trick is finding optimum acceleration rate, duration, and top speed. On this occasion I tried several different things. Staying completely "out of the battery pack" was a goal, although going from 12 mph to 18 mph in 2nd gear, that is difficult. Accelerating super-slowly seemed to be best, but perhaps more fuel is used due to the long duration. Maybe just a regular-slow acceleration is better. There's a balance in there somewhere. But for sure, mashing the gas pedal and using lots of assist and gas, is a fuel waster in this scenario.
Top speed (just prior to shutting off the engine) FELT most efficient at 29-32 mph in 4th gear, but I'm not exactly sure. I tried it as fast as 47 mph and as slow as 26. Going slow enough that aero drag is NOT much of a factor is likely the key here. Precise, scientific fine-tuning for optimum mpg is this setting, would indeed require elaborate measuring & timing equipment, as well as controlled, repeatable conditions. Nevertheless, practice makes improvement. Results for the day:
Miles driven: 92
Gallons of fuel used: 0.472
MPG: 194.92
Dash display reading: 1.2 liters/100km (196.12 mpg)
Scangauge: maximum rpm: 1420
Max water temp: 197 F
SOC: Full
Certainly the Insight has one of the most sensitive gas pedals known to man -- just the tiniest pressure from my stocking-clad toes makes a difference.
For maximum P&G mpg, I had previously established that 12 mph is a pretty good minimum speed (floor). The real trick is finding optimum acceleration rate, duration, and top speed. On this occasion I tried several different things. Staying completely "out of the battery pack" was a goal, although going from 12 mph to 18 mph in 2nd gear, that is difficult. Accelerating super-slowly seemed to be best, but perhaps more fuel is used due to the long duration. Maybe just a regular-slow acceleration is better. There's a balance in there somewhere. But for sure, mashing the gas pedal and using lots of assist and gas, is a fuel waster in this scenario.
Top speed (just prior to shutting off the engine) FELT most efficient at 29-32 mph in 4th gear, but I'm not exactly sure. I tried it as fast as 47 mph and as slow as 26. Going slow enough that aero drag is NOT much of a factor is likely the key here. Precise, scientific fine-tuning for optimum mpg is this setting, would indeed require elaborate measuring & timing equipment, as well as controlled, repeatable conditions. Nevertheless, practice makes improvement. Results for the day:
Miles driven: 92
Gallons of fuel used: 0.472
MPG: 194.92
Dash display reading: 1.2 liters/100km (196.12 mpg)
Scangauge: maximum rpm: 1420
Max water temp: 197 F
SOC: Full