Poor MPG

[keving1]

I just recently purchased a Fusion Hybrid and so far I am disappointed in the MPG I am getting. According to the sticker the estimated MPG is 45/44 for my vehicle; however at best I have only managed 38 MPG. I find that the vehicle switches from electric to gas before I beleive it should. On the display it will get to 50% on the EV meter and switch to gas. This doesn't seem right to me.

[Griswald]

You aren't used to the way it is supposed to function. The gas motor will switch on at full charge if you press the accelerator too far.

 

The secret is to try to find the balance between going fast and getting to that speed in a reasonable amount of time.

 

If you put the screen in Empower, watch the blue rectangle on the left, don't press the gas pedal so far to allow the blue line to go above the square for as long as you can. Also, don't push the car much over the 2nd bar on the dial, 2 1/2 for a short while is OK, anything over 3 bars and you are pushing way too hard. Thats it, thats the whole secret to getting 44 MPG.

 

Once you get good at that, your MPG's will just keep on climbing. My last trip home from the local WalMart showed 61 MPG for the trip. Nothing different, just normal driving. Could be that I just turned 6000 miles on mine,too. That makes a difference, as the car adjusts itself to your driving style somewhat.

[lolder]

Look at this chart. The vertical axis is fuel used for a given distance. This is in liters but the curve shape is the same for gallons. See how little more fuel is used at 38 mpg instead of 44. Many factors would affect this small difference; speed, temperature, headwinds, rain, AC use, road texture, tire pressure, trip length and most important of all the driver. 38 mpg as a start is not bad. Read all the manuals and understand the difference between all the available economy readings. In the Gen I 2010-12 FFH there are 6; instant mpg, bar graphs, long term, average mpg, trip summary and distance to empty. They are all calculated differently. There is no break-in of the car, it's mostly you.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chart_MPG_to_L-100km_v2009-10-08.svg

[Easy Rider]

I just recently purchased a Fusion Hybrid and so far I am disappointed in the MPG I am getting. According to the sticker the estimated MPG is 45/44 for my vehicle; however at best I have only managed 38 MPG.

Sorry that you are disappointed but virtually NO vehicle actually gets the "estimated" mileage in the hands of the "average" driver.

 

Based on my experience, you are right in the ballpark of what you should reasonably expect from your car.

After it goes a thousand miles or two it might come up one or two MPG......might.

 

The best I've been able to get from mine is 40 (indicated, which is 1-2 higher than actual) so that puts me right about where you are.

 

On a recent trip I got about 44 indicated on a 200 mile segment and was quite pleased.......until I stopped, got out and realized that there had been a tail wind of 30 MPH or a bit more.

[Griswald]

Sorry that you are disappointed but virtually NO vehicle actually gets the "estimated" mileage in the hands of the "average" driver.

 

Based on my experience, you are right in the ballpark of what you should reasonably expect from your car.

After it goes a thousand miles or two it might come up one or two MPG......might.

 

The best I've been able to get from mine is 40 (indicated, which is 1-2 higher than actual) so that puts me right about where you are.

 

On a recent trip I got about 44 indicated on a 200 mile segment and was quite pleased.......until I stopped, got out and realized that there had been a tail wind of 30 MPH or a bit more.

Thats the way YOU drive. First time I took this car for a drive, with no knowledge of how it is supposed to be driven, I got 40.2, that was on the way home from the dealer. My lifetime (5 months and 6000 miles) has climbed to 43.4. It had been sitting at 42.7 for about 4000 of those miles and suddenly started creeping up to 43.4 in the past month. Heck, as fast as the average has come up, I fully expect 44 soon, and thats low because of my sucky commute.

 

This car is capable of way more than you are getting. Something is wrong with the car or the operator. Heck, with a kayak on the roof, driving on unknown back roads, I got over 45. Look at the thousands of posts on this site and lots of others about how others are doing with their FFH's before you dismiss the vehical as no good.

 

And EVERY vehicle I have owned is capable of (and was getting) getting the EPA estimate if driven correctly.

 

Oh, and I have checked my mileage with gallons divided by miles, by an OBD2 program called HOBD and by Torque and they all seem to hover right around the same as the dashboard is telling me. I don't think its off that far.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Griswald

[Easy Rider]

This car is capable of way more than you are getting. Something is wrong with the car or the operator.

 

I don't think its off that far.

You are entitled to relate your experiences and opinions but representing them as the only "truth" is irresponsible.

 

Especially since your experience is NOT typical of most of the owners reporting results on here.

 

You are asserting things as fact that you have no way of knowing.

 

If memory serves me correctly, most owners report that the displayed MPG figures are high AND that they are lucky to see a true 40 MPG.

If that is true, you would seem to be saying that your car is the only one working right.......or that you are the only one who knows how to drive it.

I suspect that neither is true.

[Pghpete]

My two cents - I have just over 2500 miles on my FFH. My lifetime average is 47.3 MPG, and I'm probably going to join the 600 mile club for the first time with this tank of gas. I agree whole heartedly with the use of the Empower screen, and the "two-bar method" of acceleration. I get my FFH up to speed using that method, and I put it on cruise control almost everywhere I go. I've learned to anticipate traffic signals and let the car decelerate as well as taking advantage of regenerative braking. Right now it's a game to see if I can keep my current MPGs at 50+ on each tank. While long and/or highway travel knocks my MPGs down, most of my 4 mile commute is on city streets, hence a good mixture of ICE and battery usage. I'm calmer, I travel in the right lane for those folks who are less calm, and I love my FFH.

[jeff_h]

My two cents - I have just over 2500 miles on my FFH. My lifetime average is 47.3 MPG, and I'm probably going to join the 600 mile club for the first time with this tank of gas. I agree whole heartedly with the use of the Empower screen, and the "two-bar method" of acceleration. I get my FFH up to speed using that method, and I put it on cruise control almost everywhere I go. I've learned to anticipate traffic signals and let the car decelerate as well as taking advantage of regenerative braking. Right now it's a game to see if I can keep my current MPGs at 50+ on each tank. While long and/or highway travel knocks my MPGs down, most of my 4 mile commute is on city streets, hence a good mixture of ICE and battery usage. I'm calmer, I travel in the right lane for those folks who are less calm, and I love my FFH.

 

That sounds like I drive, being as smooth as possible and avoid making the car a 'shake weight'.... I had the 2013 hybrid for a year and 35k miles, the only tank that was below 40 (actual based on fuelly) was the first one.

 

https://www.fuelly.com/car/ford/fusion/2013/jeffh/165741/fuelchart

 

The really cold and really hot weather will definitely put a damper on things, however the mild weather in the Spring and Fall can make for some really good tanks, sounds like as you're experiencing now. But I think the smooth starts and anticipatory slowing for red lights ahead make quite a difference, as my wife used to get 10+ MPG less than I did while driving my hybrid, when driving the same routes.

[md13ffhguy]

My two cents - I have just over 2500 miles on my FFH. My lifetime average is 47.3 MPG, and I'm probably going to join the 600 mile club for the first time with this tank of gas. I agree whole heartedly with the use of the Empower screen, and the "two-bar method" of acceleration. I get my FFH up to speed using that method, and I put it on cruise control almost everywhere I go. I've learned to anticipate traffic signals and let the car decelerate as well as taking advantage of regenerative braking. Right now it's a game to see if I can keep my current MPGs at 50+ on each tank. While long and/or highway travel knocks my MPGs down, most of my 4 mile commute is on city streets, hence a good mixture of ICE and battery usage. I'm calmer, I travel in the right lane for those folks who are less calm, and I love my FFH.

BINGO!!! Driving relaxed, gently, and in the right lane is not necessarily hypermiling (which carries a negative connotation to some). I make a conscientious effort not to be a hindrance to others, and have never really had a problem with other drivers around me (Ok, one woman did once pass me on a double yellow in a school zone, where I was strictly adhering to the speed limit...). Using my old approach - speeding in the fast lane - probably shaved 4 to 5 minutes off my commute... Now, I figure I spend that time listening to an extra song in relaxed comfort. Everybody makes choices.

[Griswald]

You are entitled to relate your experiences and opinions but representing them as the only "truth" is irresponsible.

 

Especially since your experience is NOT typical of most of the owners reporting results on here.

 

You are asserting things as fact that you have no way of knowing.

 

If memory serves me correctly, most owners report that the displayed MPG figures are high AND that they are lucky to see a true 40 MPG.

If that is true, you would seem to be saying that your car is the only one working right.......or that you are the only one who knows how to drive it.

I suspect that neither is true.

No, what I am saying is that something is wrong with YOUR car or driving technique. 10's of thousands get near the 44 and lots get over that. Yours seems to be the outlier, not mine.

[corncobs]

BINGO!!! Driving relaxed, gently, and in the right lane is not necessarily hypermiling (which carries a negative connotation to some). I make a conscientious effort not to be a hindrance to others, and have never really had a problem with other drivers around me (Ok, one woman did once pass me on a double yellow in a school zone, where I was strictly adhering to the speed limit...). Using my old approach - speeding in the fast lane - probably shaved 4 to 5 minutes off my commute... Now, I figure I spend that time listening to an extra song in relaxed comfort. Everybody makes choices.

I couldn't agree more.

 

Using the new time laps video feature on the iPhone this (not) time saving fast lane driving can be very nicely documented.

Also the relaxed and anticipated driving in rush hour traffic is really cool to watch in time lapse.

[Easy Rider]

No, what I am saying is that something is wrong with YOUR car or driving technique. 10's of thousands get near the 44 and lots get over that. Yours seems to be the outlier, not mine.

Just because I choose to drive differently than you do does not make me "wrong" and you "right".

My Fusion is our "highway" car. Driven mostly on the Interstates at 70-75 MPH.

 

Once again and then I quit: Flatly stating that "something is wrong" to all of the owners who do not get as good a mileage result as you do is irresponsible.

 

I went back and looked at the "What's your current mileage" thread and found this:

 

2200 mostly highway miles in my first 6 weeks of ownership and I am at 38.0.

I just turned 10,000 miles and I'm at 38.4.

I have a little over 13000 now, and lifetime is 40.1.

Life mileage is stating 41.7 and some times 41.8.

My lifetime mpg on the dash display reads 38.4 after 15,800 miles

My mpg was climbing to 42mpg since last August when I got my car, but this summer

I dived below 40mpg avg sadly.

So, my lifetime is up to 40.8 at about 1300 miles total.

[end quotes]

Some people reading this forum are paranoid and gullible.

You might be doing them a GREAT dis-service by suggesting that they should run to their dealer and insist that there is something wrong with their cars.

There was one guy who reported a lifetime average of 31. From the looks of the mods he has done, I suspect that is caused by a heavy foot on the throttle........

but I would NEVER suggest that there is something wrong with his car without asking a lot more questions.

Mileage varies and usually NOT because something is "broken".

[Griswald]

You even tell me that you are driving incorrectly (for a FFH) and still keep playing the same single note.

 

And I'm guessing the guy with the modded 31MPG car knows that HE IS DRIVING IT INCORRECTLY (for a FFH).

 

So you think it is OK to tell people that they should not expect EPA numbers, but its not OK to tell them that you can easily get them!

 

Wow....

[GrySql]

http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/8794-forum-rules-please-read-and-adhere/?p=81433

 

The Moderators have removed the last post.

Please read the Forum Rules linked to above.

Edited October 2, 2014 by GrySql

[acdii]

Very first trip I had in my HyTi was 47 MPG. Now that they reduced EPA, I exceed EPA. :) Current tank is sitting over 47 MPG. Drive it right and get rewarded, drive like mario and pay for it in fuel used. Even this morning with some short lights and 38% braking at times I still managed 48 MPG(Was quite surprised too).

 

EPA says if you drive a certain way, this is what you can expect to see in fuel economy and they are correct. EPA on my 2005 Freestyle is 17-22, and I am exceeding it with 22.5 actual. EPA on the MKT is 16-23-18 and I am right up there with just under 21 MPG, including play time and trailer towing.

[higheroctave32]

My FFH is the first hybrid car that I've even been in. I am at 1300 miles, 5 weeks in and I am getting in the 50's and low 60's around town and the high 40's to work 20 miles away that is 3/4 highway driving 65-70mph. It takes very little time to figure out how to drive the car to get the most out of it.

 

Yesterday on the way home

[Texasota]

Oh, and I have checked my mileage with gallons divided by miles, by an OBD2 program called HOBD and by Torque and they all seem to hover right around the same as the dashboard is telling me. I don't think its off that far.

I believe this varies from car to car.

 

I have ~3300 miles on my 2015 FFH and I have been manually calculating the MPG on every fill up. While I am very happy and amazed with the "actual" MPG my FFH is getting the trip MPG has been consistently inflated by about 2-4 MPG. That seems like a large amount of error to me and it is the only complaint (minor) that I have so far.

[hybridbear]

I believe this varies from car to car.

 

I have ~3300 miles on my 2015 FFH and I have been manually calculating the MPG on every fill up. While I am very happy and amazed with the "actual" MPG my FFH is getting the trip MPG has been consistently inflated by about 2-4 MPG. That seems like a large amount of error to me and it is the only complaint (minor) that I have so far.

Are you adjusting for the odometer discrepancy?

[md13ffhguy]

Are you adjusting for the odometer discrepancy?

Is there a documented discrepancy with these vehicles? Is it significant?

[acdii]

find a road side speed camera and drive past it at different speeds. You will find it will not match your speedometer, also the trip and odometer doesn't match up either. It's around 2 MPH or so off.

[GrySql]

find a road side speed camera and drive past it at different speeds. You will find it will not match your speedometer, also the trip and odometer doesn't match up either. It's around 2 MPH or so off.

+1

[Texasota]

Are you adjusting for the odometer discrepancy?

I have not attempted to measure odometer discrepancy yet but I have confirmed that the speedometer reads 1 MPH faster than the true speed (confirmed by my GPS and roadside speed camera).

[md13ffhguy]

I have not attempted to measure odometer discrepancy yet but I have confirmed that the speedometer reads 1 MPH faster than the true speed (confirmed by my GPS and roadside speed camera).

How did you confirm the accuracy of your GPS and the speed camera?

[acdii]

Stopwatch and roadside markers. When they match to GPS and roadside cameras, you can have a safe bet their accurate. My Speedo reads 62 MPH when actual is 60.

[Texasota]

How did you confirm the accuracy of your GPS and the speed camera?

 

You are correct; I can't say for sure that the GPS is 100% accurate. But, the GPS matched the speedometer exactly on my 2012 Focus and it has matched more than one speed camera. Based on that, I have been assuming it is more accurate than my FFH's speedometer.