Hypermiling: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Revision as of 02:53, 10 August 2008

Hypermiling is a term used in North America that refers to a set of techniques used to maximize fuel economy. Those who practice the techniques are referred to as "hypermilers." The term was originally coined by Wayne Gerdes, who is considered by the media to be one of the top hypermilers in the United States, and is known to hold the record for gas mileage in some common vehicles, including 30 miles per gallon in an Acura MDX and 59 MPG in a Honda Accord^[1].

Hypermiling, which can be practiced in any vehicle regardless of its fuel economy, has achieved a high rate of popularity as a result of the rise in gasoline prices during the 2000s^[2]. While common techniques can be carried out by average motorists making minor changes in their driving habits, some expert hypermilers go to more extreme measures that are considered by law enforcement agencies to be dangerous and are sometimes illegal^[3].

Techniques

Common

Some of the most common techniques used by hypermilers are^[4]:

Avoiding jackrabitting (sudden start and stop driving)
Use of cruise control whenever possible
Avoiding brake usage whenever safely possible
Not exceeding the speed limit
Minimizing use of air conditioning
Properly inflating tires

Dangerous

Relaxed hypermilers recommend only the common techniques. Experts, including Gerdes, recommend against techniques which are considered to be dangerous and are criticized by law enforcement^[5]:

Drafting behind trucks
Driving far below the speed limit at times
Taking sharp curves at high speeds
Coasting with the engine off
Passing red lights or stop signs in areas of low traffic
Over inflating tires to reduce rolling resistance

Coasting with the engine off is dangerous because it compromises the car's ability to steer or brake when necessary for emergencies. Turning off the engine while stopped at lights is also discouraged by experts. Though the engine does not burn fuel while it is off, the motorist may feel pressured to rapidly start the car and accelerate when the light turns green, thereby using more fuel and defeating the purpose of turning the engine off. No Miss Hoover, I'm Ralph! Starts to the engine also consume some fuel.

Common Hypermiling Terms

Common Terms used in Hypermiling are ^[6]

FE - Fuel Economy
DWB - Driving without brakes
FAS - Forced auto stop, basically coasting with the engine off
P&G - Pulse and Glide
ICE - Internal Combustion Engine
D-FAS - Draft-Assisted FAS. Coasting with engine off while drafting

Hypermiling as a sport

In some places, hypermiling contests have been held to see who can get the highest MPG on a selected course.

One well-known contest is the Tour to the Shore, held in New Jersey, which evaluates drivers of cars and trucks^[7].

Gerdes holds the current record for the most miles achieved out of a single tank of gas with 2254 miles from the 13.7-gallon tank of a Honda Insight, and average of 164.53 MPG for the entire distance^[8].

External links

References

[1] ttp://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/01/king_of_the_hypermilers.html

[2] ttp://www.denverpost.com/aurora/ci_9822065

[3] ttp://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=15&articleID=20080717_15_E3_spa462136

[4] ttp://www.wbaltv.com/consumeralert/16815050/detail.html

[5] ttp://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-06-23-hypermilers-saving-gas_N.htm

[6] ttp://www.hypermiler.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=54

[7] ttp://www.eevc.info/21st_century_auto_comp.pdf

[8] ttp://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/06/hypermiling-honda-insight-hybrid-car-jack-martin.php

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 *Over inflating tires to reduce rolling resistance
-Coasting with the engine off is dangerous because it compromises the car's ability to steer or brake when necessary for emergencies. Turning off the engine while stopped at lights is also discouraged by experts. Though the engine does not burn fuel while it is off, the motorist may feel pressured to rapidly start the car and accelerate when the light turns green, thereby using more fuel and defeating the purpose of turning the engine off. Starts to the engine also consume some fuel.
+Coasting with the engine off is dangerous because it compromises the car's ability to steer or brake when necessary for emergencies. Turning off the engine while stopped at lights is also discouraged by experts. Though the engine does not burn fuel while it is off, the motorist may feel pressured to rapidly start the car and accelerate when the light turns green, thereby using more fuel and defeating the purpose of turning the engine off. No Miss Hoover, I'm Ralph! Starts to the engine also consume some fuel.
 ===Common Hypermiling Terms===