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So, the Ford Focus is a better deal than the Toyota
Prius, and GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30
mpg or more than any other automaker. Of course, ONLY
(and maybe not even then) based upon perfect world
highway fuel economy.
So, what percentage of your commute is a
cruise-controlled 55 - 65 mpg on a flat surface
without any wind resistance?
Most people, even in small towns, stop at a few stop
signs or red lights, conditions that reduce fuel
economy significantly. Suddenly, 30 mpg is more like
20-25 mpg, or even worse, depending on how many stop
lights you actually hit. Then there is the kind of
congestion that you find in large cities like LA and
Chicago. In such conditions, the Toyota Prius has been
demonstrated to average almost 60 mpg. In tough urban
congestion the Focus might not even achieve 20 mpg.
Yet, according to transportation studies, congestion
is increasing and it's going to increase significantly
in the future. So, is highway fuel economy even
relevant anymore? Even worse, isn't marketing highway
fuel economy deceptive?
Labels: fuel economy, Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
