Re: [Phys-l] Hybrid mileage

["Pete Lohstreter" <plohstreter@mail.hockaday.org>]

Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> A colleague asked me why it is that she consistently gets 6-8 mpg  
> less in the winter than summer with her Prius Hybrid. Her mechanic  
> said that that was "normal," but gave no explanation. Nor can I. She  
> said that she uses the heater in the winter about as much as the air  
> conditioner in the summer.

I too have noticed this with my Prius.  I notice that the engine runs
longer (and more often) to keep the engine warm.  That could explain it. 
I get the best milage in the spring and fall when the outside temperature
is about 60F.

PL

Pete Lohstreter                           "Happy is he who gets to know 
The Hockaday School                 the reasons for things. "
11600 Welch Rd                          Virgil (70-19 BCE) Roman poet.
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plohstreter@mail.hockaday.org

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