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Hypermiler
Hypermilers are drivers who materially exceed EPA estimated mileage on their vehicles by modifying their driving habits.
Origin
Hypermilers originated from hybrid driving clubs. As people began comparing mileage they noticed that certain driving techniques could greatly improve their mileage. With the aid of real time mileage displays, drivers were able to refine these driving techniques and greatly exceed the EPA rating for their vehicle.
Techniques
There are many techniques that hypermilers use to optimize their MPG and many vary from car to car. Many hypermilers will put their talents to the test in hypermileage marathons. In these marathons, a route is determined and the drivers must optimize their driving over it until their tank of gas is consumed. Drivers have exceeded 120 MPG in current market vehicles in these marathons, achieving over 1300 miles on a tank of gas.
Maintenance
One of the best ways to optimize mileage (both hybrid and non-hybrid) is to keep up with vehicle maintenance. Key parameters to maintain are tire pressure, tire balance, and proper oil weight and level.
Pulse and Glide
This method is a trick that can be used with hybrids to minimize ICE waste. The idea is to optimize acceleration in order to reach the optimal threshold of the hybrid engine. At this point, some vehicles (when the accelerator is minimally pressed) will glide consuming no power from gas or electric motors.
Speed and Acceleration
Maintaining an efficient speed is also very effective in keeping mileage up. Avoiding jackrabbit starts and keeping speed at a minimum are all useful in this regard. When accelerating, the engine should be kept in the peak of the torque curve. A slow acceleration is less efficient.
Autostop and Forced Stop
All hybrids have the "auto-stop" feature which engages when the vehicle stops, avoiding waste. Maximizing use of autostop is critical because idling causes a severe drop in accumulated mileage (0 miles per gallon). In addition, many hypermilers will actually turn off their cars entirely or put them into neutral when going down hills or in other situations when momentum will carry the car on its own.
Cars
The most effective commonly available hybrid vehicles in the hypermilage marathons are the Honda Insight Hybrid, the Toyota Prius Hybrid, and the Honda Civic Hybrid. Other hybrids have also done very well.
Some historical non-hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Civic CR-X HF and the Smart Fortwo have also done remarkably well on mileage.
