Fusion Hybrid Averages 81.5 Mpg, World Record With 1,445 Miles On Single Tank Of Fuel

[msirach]

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid goes 1445.7 Miles on ONE TANK OF GAS

Mike Sirach - CleanMPG - April 28, 2009

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a mark that has raised the standard for fuel efficiency. A sleeper that has surprised many across the world with its capabilities will be sure to become a leading seller for Ford... Ed.

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today.

They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsized car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C.

After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas.

The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs.

“The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights.

The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99’ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

[SlowHands]

Awesome. A great showing of the car's capabilities in one of the roughest traffic cities in the USA. Congrats to Wayne and all the Ford people involved.

[rhwinger]

Wow. 81mpg?

Way to go Wayne - in the company of "newbies" as well?

I guess you busted 1200 Wayne ;-)

Wish I couldhave been there to see it.

Thanks,

Bob

[GaryG]

Originally Posted by msirach

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid goes 1445.7 Miles on ONE TANK OF GAS

Mike Sirach - CleanMPG - April 28, 2009

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a mark that has raised the standard for fuel effiency. A sleeper that has surprised many across the world with its capabilities will be sure to become a leading seller for Ford... Ed.

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today.

They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsized car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C.

After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas.

The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs.

“The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights.

The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99’ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

How many gallons of gas were added at the end to fill officially?

GaryG

[Right Lane Cruiser]

According to Wayne, it took 17.953g for the 1445.7mi yielding an actual 80.526mpg.

[MaxxMPG]

Originally Posted by Right Lane Cruiser

According to Wayne, it took 17.953g for the 1445.7mi yielding an actual 80.526mpg.

I remember reading in another thread that the Fords are set to shut down the engine when there's half a gallon left in the tank, so that would be a theoretical tank volume of 18.453 gallons, with that stated number being the usable volume. With the FCD reading about 1mpg higher, at 81.5, it looks like it was just about right. 1445.7 miles at 17.5 gallons (aka "a tank") would be 82.6, so the slightly optimistic display is easy to rationalize as the distance covered using 17.74 gallons, or a difference of 27.4 ounces.

No matter how the numbers are compared, it still comes in at roughly 200% of EPA, and it is a phenomenal achievement for the drivers and a testament to the skill and dedication of Ford's engineers.

[VonoreTn]

Well, I ordered a Fusion Hybrid, it is being built next week, I should have it by mid August. We almost bought an Escape hybrid, but now we are glad we waited. In early Sept. we are driving it from Knoxville, Tn. to Austin, about 1030 miles. I should get there on one tank, right? And without even drafting trucks! I'll keep good records and let you know how it goes....

[xcel]

Hi VonoreTn:

___You just purchased one heck of a vehicle! After the 1,000-mile Challenge, Debbie Anders of the MiHG and I drove the same vehicle from Dearborn, to Milwaukee, gave some clinics, drove it back to Dearborn and achieved over 1,000 miles at 62 + mpg mostly highway as well. It was some slower speed work of course but wait until you get behind the wheel of your own. You are going to love it

___Congrats on your ride as it truly is the best hybrid drivetrain and one of the most comfortable hybrids money can buy. No matter how much money one is willing to spend. I am referring to the LS 600h which is not as good as the 2010 Fusion Hybrid when it comes to the drivetrain in particular

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[edroos]

We Have now had our '010 Fusion Hybrid for eight weeks. We don't have the least complaint about it. We had the '05 Escape Hybrid for not quite five years with our only complaint being a fair amount of wind noise from the doors. What an improvement in the technology!

Truly a "Way to go Ford"! Round trips to San Diego from Whittier have been right at 39 mpg.

[VonoreTn]

We just picked up our Fusion Hybrid at the dealer. According to the gauge, we averaged 47 mpg on the 20 mile trip home, through country roads with hills and turns. I haven't even figured out where the oddometer is yet, so I haven't started our rigorous mileage checking. I was surprised how quickly the engine kicks in on minor hills, but not disappointed with the mileage. The battery charge started in the middle, and was about 3/4 full by the time we got home.

My Wife and I are going to have to get better cell phones to take advantage of the sync phone system.