Trip from Connecticut to Pontiac

The trip should have been much shorter, but because of delays due to accidents, etc. it took 13 hours to make the trip. This is usually the amount of time to drive from CT to Illinois.



When averaging 55 to 65 mph, the transmission temperature averaged 162 F (ambient temperature was 90F). With traffic, due to the George Washington Bridge and several accidents that caused speeds below 10 mph for up to an hour each resulted only in transmission temperatures up to 170 F.

(First picture is about the midway point through Pennsylvania on I-80. Many variations in grade caused an average mileage of 19.8 mpg through PA)

The dashboard included a full suite of information on the operation of the system including in the navigation/radio monitoring system in which the different hybrid conditions can be viewed. This includes the engine only (4 and 8 cylinder operation), motor only, hybrid mode, and charging mode.

In Ohio, with flat highway, the system operated in hybrid and 4 cylinder engine modes resulting in an average of 26 mpg. What was particularly interesting was the looks from the Toyota Prius drivers who were obviously well wedged into their seats, and in a comment from one Prius driver I learned the term 'Tahoe Envy.'

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