Gen2 in the cold

[Purplegate]

My I2 is my first hybrid ever and I'm still learning about these cars. I bought it late April, so the temperature has been pretty much above 70 every time I drove it so far. I achieve decent and satisfying MPG (EPA+15). But I read this article on autoblog.com regarding a test drive with the Fusion hybrid :

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes — Autoblog

Mainly, they test drove a Milan hybrid in California and a Fusion hybrid in Michigan. Both car are quite similar, no major difference that would drastically affect MPG. Yet, according to the article, they suffered drastic MPG drop in Michigan and put this on the low temperature.

I do live in northern state and the temperature will drop below zero in winter. Already, morning time is 50 or a bit below. Will there be any drop in MPG with the I2 or is the IMA system less concerned by temperature change ? Any experience from Gen1 owners ?

[numbness4sound]

I guess I'll find out this winter, as sadly my car does not get to live in a garage

[Cobb]

This is new news? Its a known issue with the prius. See the prius runs the engine for heat if the coolant is too cool. I wouldnt think it would effect our car that much.

What do the gen 1 guys say? I cant wait to block the grill as that increases fuel economy in any car, just got to worry about over heating.

Having said that, my best fuel economy comes from 90 degree weather with 100% humidity.

[jraynor196]

I cleaned out my garage so I could get the Insight in there for the winter. So, far I have noticed a little drop. My best tank was 59 for 560 when it was hot out. Currently temps in the 50s to 70 and I have seen a slight drop in MPG while maintaining the same driving habits.

I expect to get around EPA in the winter, which would be around 15-20 MPG less. We will see, it will be interesting to track it on Fuelly, should be able to trend it.

[jraynor196]

You can try these tips to help out...

Cold Weather Vehicle Fuel Mileage – Why Winter Fuel Economy Drops – Fuel Mileage Drop in Vehicles

Cold Weather Hybrid Fuel Mileage – Why Winter Reduces Hybrid Fuel Economy – Fuel Mileage Drop in Hybrids

Another article explaining Honda Civic Hybrid Difference.

http://www.metrompg.com/posts/winter-mpg.htm

[Moviemike]

Expect a big drop in mpg in the winter.

My wife drives an I1. Currently with temps. in the high 60's - low 70's she gets 57 mpg on her commute to work. Last winter, with temps. in the 40's - low 50's she struggled to get 52 mpg. The big issue is how long it takes to warm up the engine.

Yesterday we had a near record high of 93 degrees. I got a great 58 mpg on a run to So. Coos Bay. This morning with cloudy and cool 62 degrees I got a poor 49 mpg for the same run (both are MID numbers). Again the issue was the time it takes to warm up the engine - cold light to go out.

A not cold garage, a block heater, even a 100 watt ligh bulb under the hood overnight, or use of S mode - higher rpm all could help warm up the engine and return to the great mpg's of summer. ....Oh yes watch the paper for the shift to winter gas from summer gas. Winter gas gets noticeably lower mpg!

[Purplegate]

I think I'm convinced... I will install a block heater in my I2 !! thanks guys !

[buglermcd]

Just remember that 10mpg difference isn't that big when it's 59-49. Convert it to gallons to mile, and get the real picture.

[Moviemike]

Originally Posted by buglermcd

Just remember that 10mpg difference isn't that big when it's 59-49. Convert it to gallons to mile, and get the real picture.

GOOD POINT !

Before getting the I2 I was driving a '02 Saturn SL1. I was getting 39-42 mpg hwy, 29-32 mpg city and 36 mpg overall year in year out. I'd been looking forward to the arrival of the I2 because of our great experience with the I1 beginning in '06.
When the I2's EPA numbers came out I was very disappointed. I compared those numbers and my Saturn maintenance free experience, with getting a new I2 vs. waiting for new (all electric?) technology. Getting a new I2 didn't seem to be worth it. But the experiences of folks here, puts those EPA numbers into the trash and lead me to think again, and then I got a new I2!

[numbness4sound]

My car hasn't been going into autostop on these cold mornings, which is decreasing my MPG. According to the car computer, it's showing about a 5 mpg drop, which actually isn't that big a deal as I was getting 55-60 going to work, so it's dropping to 50-55.