Recumpence Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Hey Guys and Gals, I wanted to let you know that I have had two excursions into the city which required about 45 minutes of expressway driving (70mph) in each direction. In both instances in both directions I have been able to average over 50mpg. There are two secrets to this; #1 Keeping the engine running with battery level high (this is a long discussion as to why keeping the engine running is better on the expressway). #2 Drafting. I look for the perfect truck, van, or SUV to draft behind. What I have found is best is a flatbed semi. I think that has to do with the lower deck on a flatbed than a box. But, I have been able to see extended periods of 57mpg behind a flatbed and about 51mpg behind a semi at 70mph on flat expressways. Anyway, I know many of you do not like drafting (I do stay a reasonable distance back for safety reasons). But, it really makes a difference in mpg. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus-A-CMax Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 #2 oh have I got chips to dissuade u. I think that checking out the rear flaps and road as a PRE-caution before drafting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recumpence Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Yes, that is correct. Rules of drafting; #1 NEVER, EVER draft behind a gravel truck! #2 Look for mudflaps. #3 I rarely have issue getting chips if drafting behind normal cars like SUVs or vans. So, in some ways, those are best. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus-A-CMax Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 (edited) I might add that if you can find a semi who goes at 60mph (and they do over here in CA due to the 55mph limit law), that would be perfect - because you can pulse up to 66, let it drop to regen and hit the EV at 60 exactly to maintain that speed as much as possible and drift down to 58mph. Rinse & repeat. Yeah, less speed but you're buying MPG points there. Thats what I use for Mammoth at full load. Edited June 27, 2013 by Jus-A-CMax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 As a life long motorcyclist, I'll also offer this piece of advice when following a large commercial truck: they can straddle large objects and thus not need to swerve to avoid them. JAZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmonty Posted June 28, 2013 Report Share Posted June 28, 2013 dang.... i'm not going to get close to that going 70-80 MPH over 1,400 miles am i? oh well. after creating a rudimentary excel sheet i can see the $ difference between 35 mpg and 47 mpg over that distance with regular fuel is only about $36 anyways. i'll hope for 44 mpg but if i don't get it then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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