Different cars with their own C-drag, tires etc. have a sweet spot where they get the best fuel economy in the real world. It would make sense that with the .26 C-drag, the sweet spot might be 60-65 mph rather than 55 or lower. It could be anywhere from 40-65, I'd guess.
Does anyone know this (more than speculation)?
A Japanese owner made a good point--although many of us love 'stealth' mode, in fact, being powered mostly by the engine is more efficient than using the engine to generate electricity (with losses) and then using the electricity to move us (with more losses). His point was that accelerating with the engine was more fuel-efficient than straight electric-only acceleration. Interesting if true. This could affect how I drive to maximize overall fuel economy.
One way is to view the electric part as a way to balance and use the engine power more efficiently, rather than as the main mode of powering the wheels. We shouldn't be all-electric prissies, but instead pragmatists. The Prius has a great overall cost/efficiency/room/performance/extremely low total pollution combination that should be appreciated for itself.
Does anyone know this (more than speculation)?
A Japanese owner made a good point--although many of us love 'stealth' mode, in fact, being powered mostly by the engine is more efficient than using the engine to generate electricity (with losses) and then using the electricity to move us (with more losses). His point was that accelerating with the engine was more fuel-efficient than straight electric-only acceleration. Interesting if true. This could affect how I drive to maximize overall fuel economy.
One way is to view the electric part as a way to balance and use the engine power more efficiently, rather than as the main mode of powering the wheels. We shouldn't be all-electric prissies, but instead pragmatists. The Prius has a great overall cost/efficiency/room/performance/extremely low total pollution combination that should be appreciated for itself.