Gaming the Prius

If you drive a Toyota Prius hybrid, tell us honestly how much time you spend staring at the real-time mileage indicator on the center console. I consider the display a ground breaking innovation. For the first time, drivers are getting instant feedback on how their driving habits influence fuel consumption. Who doesn't want to play the game and score high points?

In the last two months that I've owned the Prius, I've seen my gas mileage steadily inch up to over 50 at the moment. Here are some tips that I've seen work favorably:

1. Use the cruise control as much as possible, even on back roads if you feel comfortable. With the cruise control engaged, the car intelligently uses auxillary power from the electrical engine, maximizing gas mileage.
   
2. Use the break assist when coming to a halt. Anticipate breaking and use the break assist feature to slow down. This helps recharge the batteries as well.
3. Start and stop gradually. Very soon it will become apparent to you that flooring the gas pedal adversely affects mileage.

A california non-profit group, CalCars is pushing the Prius further by adding a plug-in option. This extends the gas mileage to over a 100.