Joined
·
95 Posts
In having the new Insight for a couple of weeks, I've noticed that if you use the Regen Paddles at certain times, it seems as though you can preserve some key electric power in order to prevent estimated mpg from decreasing too much. When the battery power gauge goes down to two or three bars - seemingly a really low level that generally brings about that engine whine - I try to use max regen when approaching traffic lights from a distance. In other words, I try to glide to the light while barely - physically - touching the brake. That is, assuming there isn't too much traffic around. Using Regen to glide slowly to stop lights is certainly not pleasant for traffic waiting behind you. In tapping regen paddles at one or more traffic lights, I can often get the battery power gauge up to four or even five bars (if I am lucky) and the car will not as easily default into that high engine whine (and lost mpg). Of course, accelerating too quick from a stoplight will subsequently ruin the hypermiling effect.
I've heard and read that the Prius has a nice system whereby drivers can literally use "one-pedal" braking to conserve mileage. Although the Insight has a much more limited system with the Regen paddles, I think any mpg improvement because of hypermiling is helpful.
What have you all been doing as far as hypermiling in your first month of owning the car?
I've heard and read that the Prius has a nice system whereby drivers can literally use "one-pedal" braking to conserve mileage. Although the Insight has a much more limited system with the Regen paddles, I think any mpg improvement because of hypermiling is helpful.
What have you all been doing as far as hypermiling in your first month of owning the car?