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Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Highlander Hybrid MPG-Real World Numbers
417 messages, Last post on Oct 16, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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Replying to: tourguide (May 21, 2008 3:47 pm) The above statement is also incorrect  . The ICE can kick in at any time, from 0-mph to blast-off and the batteries can kick in at any time from 0-mph to blast-off. On flat ground, it is possible to go from 0 to 40 MPH on electric-only. If there is enough charge and the ground remains flat, I can maintain 40-MPH for a very long spell. A good stiff tail-wind helps. On downhill runs, the battery can go even further depending on desired speed. On steeper downgrade, even on freeways, the battery can provide all the power to maintain 65-MPH or 70-MPH (on really steep grade) while the ICE just idles. We see this all the time driving I-5 in Northern CA. The car is cruising downhill at 65-MPH and the ICE is madly charging the battery or the battery kicks in to give some power to maintain downhill speed. By the end of a run, the battery is all green (full 8 bars). On a climb, the ICE kicks in and the battery will also kick in to boost power. The battery provides instant torque in such cases and the car just rockets up a grade like it is a V8. The ICE and battery pack work together through all speed ranges. There is NO "cut off" where the ICE takes over completely without the battery pack. At least I have never seen it on our '06 HH. Just want to clarify. |
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Replying to: tourguide (May 21, 2008 3:47 pm) No, I'm afraid YOUR statement would be incorrect. I own the FEH, which is similar in drivetrain design to the HH. The electric motors can provide boost at all speeds; the only imitation is the state of charge in the battery. The design requires that the engine operate above 40 MPH, but this actually means only that the engine has to spin, not that it has to consume fuel. I think that on a downgrade with a full battery of vehicle will use the drag of spinning the ICE to bleed off excess electricity from the generator. At least, this is my understanding. |
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Now 23k on the odo. 33 miles to work 95% highway. Average 28-30 mpg per tank. Some of my short local drives can be as high as 50 mpg. I tried many techniques. Cruise control at 57 mph gives good mpg but slow travel overall. Or I drive like a roller coaster, accelerate on the downhill and let it slow down on its own at the incline. I get the same mpg but the second technique is faster and more fun. Most of the time, I combine them, using cruise control on downhill once the speed is about 75 mph. |
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Replying to: tourguide (May 21, 2008 3:47 pm) Not true. If you watch the display, you will see the electric motors kick in for short periods at higher speeds. I have observed it doing this at up to 70 mph. I have noticed this if you go down a small hill, the ICE will shut down. At the bottom of the hill, the ICE starts up again. As you climb a gentle hill the traction motor(s) will assist the ICE.
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Replying to: monte8 (May 25, 2008 5:25 pm) |
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I have done this many times on my 2006 HH since I drive on hilly terrain. When I am going downhill and set my cruise control, sometimes the synergy drive sorts out and decides to do it in all electric mode even at 75 mph.
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Replying to: peralta (May 26, 2008 6:50 am) Is the ICE still spinning? (check the RPM gauge)
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Replying to: stevedebi (May 27, 2008 11:49 am) |
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This past weekend I did a 180 mile round trip. Going out was east against strong (25-30 mph), direct head winds. I got about 24mpg. The return trip was with strong quartering tail winds (I was driving generally west, the winds were from the southeast). I got 33.6mpg. Overall, the round trip was 28 mpg. This is in a 2008 HH with only 2900 miles.
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Replying to: monte8 (May 29, 2008 7:17 am) It looks like Toyota did listen to early adopters and really made the car efficient. I am envious of your 33+ MPG!
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