I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience as I have. Our prius is usually driven on short trips (often only 1-2 miles, which we'd walk if it weren't impossible to cross streets around here!) and are seeing mileage of slightly over 40 overall. However, on road trips, it jumps to over 50 (53 on our latest trip of 300 miles). The EPA numbers are just the opposite. Anyone have thoughts on why?
It would seem to me that the short version of the answer is: On the short trips, the engine is trying to warm up the entire time. Thus, it's always/mostly running. Short trips are the worse kind in any car. On the highway, on the other hand, the engine has time to warm allowing the battery to do more work. I'm sure someone will privide more details, but I'm pretty sure it's something like that. HEY! Spellcheck is back. I'd have used it, but had already posted this reply.
