In a CVT ...

[Fred]

Thought one or two of you with an Insight CVT might have an interest in this.

Yesterday, using the PA Turnpike I made a run from the Poconos to Willow Grove PA. The following are excerpts of a voice log I kept on the way down. (I've learned to carry a small tape recorder as well as a digital camera in the car at all times now, - every time I'm on the road)

On this run to Willow Grove, only the driver was in the car and no A/C was used. For the most part speed was kept between 45 MPH and 60 MPH.

LOG

070531.0830 / PA TURNPIKE RUN TO WILLOW GROVE
070531.0924 / SPEED 055 MPH / 037.50 MILES / 082.2 MPG / AT LEHIGH TUNNEL
070531.0937 / SPEED 055 MPH / 043.50 MILES / 082.2 MPG / ALPO WATER TOWER IN SIGHT
070531.0940 / SPEED 055 MPH / 045.90 MILES / 081.3 MPG / PASSING ALLENTOWN PLAZA
070531.0955 / SPEED 049 MPH / 058.20 MILES / 080.0 MPG / PASSING QUAKERTOWN EXIT
070531.1010 / SPEED 050 MPH / 072.80 MILES / 082.0 MPG / COMING UP ON LANSDALE
070531.1022 / SPEED 052 MPH / 083.30 MILES / 081.7 MPG / AT TURN OFF TO NJ
070531.1036 / SPEED 000 MPH / 093.60 MILES / 082.2 MPG / AT WILLOW GROVE EXIT AND OFF PA TURNPIKE
070531.1614 / SPEED 000 MPH / 198.70 MIILES / 068.30 MPG.*

END OF LOG

If you have a CVT, if I can get MPG readings like this - so can you.
* You migh note that on the return run I had a passinger and associated luggage.
* The A/C (on Economy and set for 67 F) was used all the way back due to the heat.
* The return run was by the way of PA Roue 611 (aka "the river road"). Those of you in NE Pennsylvania, if you've never used this road, especially in the Fall of the year, the run is worth it.

Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"

[b1shmu63]

Nice! The 5 speed has recieved so much attention, it is nice to see someone with a CVT, (which make up the largest group), doing some hypermiling.

[merigayle]

hey fred, can i get some driving lessons?

last weekend i had my best mpg's yet. I went from PA to VA (250 miles each way) and got 61.1mpg. That was my highest by FAR! Now i have more to aspire for.

[dberns]

I decided to take some time and max out as best I could, getting 70 miles/gallon, CVT, doing
the run from (near) Lansing, Michigan,
to NYC.

(I cheated a bit by usually
hanging in the 55 mph range
and not using the a/c. I ain't
doing that again....)

photo proof:
http://www.panix.com/~dannyb/images/mich-to-nyc.jpg

[Scott]

Hard to belive averaging 80+ MPG for over 200 miles in a CVT. My best is mid 60's and that's rare.

[Fred]

Hard to belive averaging 80+ MPG for over 200 miles in a CVT. My best is mid 60's and that's rare.

Try slowing down - if my CVT can deliver mileage as reported, so can yours.

Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"

[salty1]

Originally Posted by Scott

Hard to belive averaging 80+ MPG for over 200 miles in a CVT. My best is mid 60's and that's rare.

Considering I have never got more than high fifties in my 2002 on a trip, I find it hard to believe also.

[Billy]

Hi Salty, Do you have the OEM Bridgestone tires? Are you using 0-20 synthetic oil? Do you inflate tires to at least 44 lbs? Lastly, do you employ basic techniques such as slow to moderate steady speed, looking WAY ahead to the next stop light, momentum, keeping your battery SOC full, accelerating slowly, seldom using the brakes, coasting, etc???

My lifetime MPG is 89.3, and in the summer 100+ is common on long trips. And lately, I've been averaging over 88 mpg around town. (5 speed Insight)

Fred's results are not surprising, if one pays attention and learns "the stuff"

[Insightful Trekker]

Salty's low MPG woes are documented in older threads here. Its attributed to a high percentage of city driving cycle and very short trips.

C'mon Salty No need to start an argument or be jealous. After all your _time_ per tank is probably record setting.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Billy

Hi Salty, Do you have the OEM Bridgestone tires? Are you using 0-20 synthetic oil? Do you inflate tires to at least 44 lbs? Lastly, do you employ basic techniques such as slow to moderate steady speed, looking WAY ahead to the next stop light, momentum, keeping your battery SOC full, accelerating slowly, seldom using the brakes, coasting, etc???

My lifetime MPG is 89.3, and in the summer 100+ is common on long trips. And lately, I've been averaging over 88 mpg around town. (5 speed Insight)

Fred's results are not surprising, if one pays attention and learns "the stuff"

I can't speak for salty, but in my case, OEM Bridgestones @45psi, Mobil 1 0W-20, SOC always within 2-3 bars from top, and all other hypermiling "techniques" are used religously. Billy, your 5 speed also has lean burn which as I'm sure you are aware, CVT's do not. I have taken numerous highway trips at speeds similar to Fred's, and never approached 80+ mpg for over 200 miles. It would be interesting to hear from some other CVT owners as to attaining 80+mpg @55 mph over 200 or more miles.