{{Short description|Using the least fuel over a distance}} [[File:TOYOTA PRIUS (XW30) China (5).jpg|thumb|A Toyota Prius is an example hybrid car used for hypermiling]] '''Hypermiling''' is driving or flying a vehicle with techniques that maximize fuel efficiency. Those who use these techniques are called "hypermilers".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=12181 |title=EERE News: Progressive Automotive X Prize ["&"]2974 if collapse than = "at" break patta is without stain and efficient with fuelExpanded to Include Major Automakers |publisher=Apps1.eere.energy.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-05-28 |archive-date=2011-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307003335/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=12181 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the case of cars, this is an extreme form of energy-efficient driving, where hypermilers can achieve up to {{cvt|100|mpgus}} in hybrid cars that have EPA ratings of 30 to 45 mpg (48 to 72 km/gallon, 11 to 16 km/L, 6.2 to 9.3 L/100 km).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2008-11-24 |title=What is hypermiling? |url=https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/nascar/nascar-basics/hypermiling.htm |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=HowStuffWorks |language=en-us}}</ref>
Hypermiling can be practiced in any vehicle regardless of fuel consumption. It gained popularity with the rise in gasoline prices in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Booth |first=Michael |url=http://www.denverpost.com/aurora/ci_9822065 |title=Hypermilers stretch their gas mileage |publisher=The Denver Post |date=2010-09-14 |accessdate=2011-05-28}}</ref> Some hypermiling techniques are illegal in some countries because they are dangerous.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=15&articleID=20080717_15_E3_spa462136 |title='Hypermiling' tricks sometimes unlawful |publisher=Tulsa World |date= |accessdate=2011-05-28 |archive-date=2012-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007234233/http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=15&articleID=20080717_15_E3_spa462136 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008, the ''New Oxford American Dictionary'' voted "hypermiling" the best new word of the year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moscrip |first=Lara |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/11/11/news/economy/wordof_year/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309231213/http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/11/news/economy/wordof_year/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2009 |title=Word of the year: 'Hypermiling' |publisher=Money.cnn.com |date=2008-11-11 |accessdate=2011-05-28}}</ref>
== Hypermiling techniques with gasoline-powered cars == There are various techniques used by gas-powered car driving hypermilers that help increase their gas mileage.
Researchers studying economical driving (or eco-driving) from the University of Belgrade advise on techniques that can be used to minimize fuel consumption while driving, and they include:<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Momčilović |first=Vladimir |last2=Dimitrijević |first2=Branka |last3=Stokić |first3=Marko |date=25 May 2017 |title=Eco-Driving -- Potentials and Opportunities Within Green Logisitics |url=https://logic.sf.bg.ac.rs/wp-content/uploads/LOGIC_2017_ID_37.pdf |journal=LOGIC}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=What is hypermiling and how do you do it? |url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/104466/what-is-hypermiling-and-how-do-you-do-it |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Auto Express |language=en}}</ref>
* Avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration * Maintain a lower, steady speed in the highest gear at a low RPM * Shift up gears as early as possible * Avoid idling when you want to drive out with some break * instead, idle when you want to coast as long as possible * Utilizing cruise control * Use air conditioning and electric equipment sparingly * Keep windows closed to reduce drag * Choosing parking locations based on the weather (i.e., parking in the sun in cold weather to keep the car warm, or parking in the shade in warm weather to keep the car cool, so the air conditioner is not needed) * Parking "face out" to drive forwards immediately after parking * Parking on a downwards slope to coast forward * Anticipate driving maneuvers rather than reacting to what happens directly ahead of the car * Practice the Driving Without Brakes (DWB) mantra, where you try and drive for as long as possible without touching the brakes Moreover, the same researchers also advise on techniques that can be used to minimize fuel consumption before driving, which include:<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> * Planning to avoid traffic congestion * Monitoring energy efficient tires and inflation using a tire-pressure monitoring system * Adjusting aerodynamic devices * Avoid overfilling the fuel tank * Keep up on proper and timely car maintenance * Choose to drive a fuel-saving hybrid car, like a Toyota Prius * Choose to walk or cycle instead of driving for shorter distances * Plan a route needing the least amount of acceleration and braking Carrying the least amount of weight possible will also aid in less fuel consumed.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Hypermiling Techniques |url=https://www.hypermiler.co.uk/hypermiling/hypermiling-techniques |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Hypermiler.co.uk |language=en-US}}</ref> Moreover, authors from the hypermiling advice website Hypermiler.co.uk suggest wearing thin-soled shoes can aid in reducing fuel consumption; thinner soles can result in increased sensitivity to the gas pedal.<ref name=":1" />
Hypermiling can also be practiced using relatively lower fuel efficiency vehicles like SUVs.<ref name=":3" /> An Edmunds experiment reports that hypermiling could add 35.4% more miles per gallon from a Land Rover LR3, which usually gets {{cvt|12|mpgus}} in the city and {{cvt|17|mpgus}} on the highway.
Drafting as a technique for hypermiling has been a subject to controversy. This involves driving close to or slipstreaming behind the car in front, potentially saving 40% of fuel. Drafting can save energy by using the car ahead to push air out of the way. This technique is subject to controversy due to the reduction in visibility and the risk of not being able to brake fast enough if the car in front stops.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gale - Product Login |url=https://galeapps.gale.com/apps/auth?userGroupName=byuprovo&origURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.gale.com%2Fps%2Fretrieve.do%3FtabID%3DT004%26resultListType%3DRESULT_LIST%26searchResultsType%3DSingleTab%26retrievalId%3D95062f9e-0005-4d61-b64a-90898ab60b3e%26hitCount%3D1%26searchType%3DAdvancedSearchForm%26currentPosition%3D1%26docId%3DGALE%257CA492201442%26docType%3DBrief%2Barticle%26sort%3DRELEVANCE%26contentSegment%3DZNEW-FullText%26prodId%3DSTND%26pageNum%3D1%26contentSet%3DGALE%257CA492201442%26searchId%3DR1%26userGroupName%3Dbyuprovo%26inPS%3Dtrue&prodId=STND |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=galeapps.gale.com}}</ref>
== Non-traditional hypermiling ==
=== With electric cars === [[File:Tesla Model S Washington DC Metro Area, USA (2).jpg|thumb|200x200px|A Tesla Model S as an example of an electric car that can be used for hypermiling]] The range of electric cars is limited. To get the most out of the battery, drivers sometimes use hypermiling techniques.<ref>[https://www.treehugger.com/cars/you-can-get-over-range-anxiety-oscar-helps.html What's Electric Vehicle Hypermiling?]</ref> Some aim to set a record for most mileage from a single charge. For example, a Tesla Model 3 ran more than {{cvt|1000|km}} with one battery charge. The average speed was {{cvt|38|km/h}} and the whole drive took around 30 hours. The tester used the autopilot of Tesla Model 3, running the car unmanned. The test car did not drive on a public road.<ref>[https://electrek.co/2018/07/16/tesla-model-3-autopilot-unmanned-hypermiling-record/ Tesla Model 3 unmanned on Autopilot travels 1,000 km on a single charge in new hypermiling record]</ref>
=== With aircraft === [[File:VariEze in flight.jpg|thumb|A Rutan VariEze as an example aircraft used to hypermile]] There have been several aircraft hypermiling competitions held throughout the years, such the FuelVenture and CAFE challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cafefoundation.org/ |title=CAFE Foundation Website |access-date=2019-06-05 |archive-date=2022-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426033658/http://www.cafefoundation.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Klaus Savier won the 2009 Fuelventure 400 in a VariEze aircraft which got {{cvt|45|mpgus}} at {{cvt|207|mph}} with a modified Continental O-200 engine upgraded with a computerized fuel injection and ignition system by Light Speed Engineering.<ref>[http://www.lightspeed-aero.com/ Light Speed Engineering]</ref> By slowing to extend range, mileage approaches {{cvt|100|mpgus}}.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wired|title=45MPG at 207MPH|magazine=Wired |date=2009-11-02|url=https://www.wired.com/2009/11/45mpg-at-207mph/|access-date=2019-06-03}}</ref>
In World War II the famed pilot Charles Lindbergh consulted with pilots of the Army Air Corps and the Marine Corps and introduced engine-leaning techniques which greatly improved fuel consumption at cruise speeds and enabled aircraft to fly longer-range missions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2015 |title=Battle Stations: P38 Lockheed Lightning (War History Documentary) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL54IWnkchA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/VL54IWnkchA |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>[http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/ozatwar/lindbergh.htm "Charles Augustus Lindbergh Helps the 5th Air Force During WW2"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904045629/http://home.st.net.au/%7Edunn/ozatwar/lindbergh.htm|date=September 4, 2006}}. home.st.net.au. Retrieved: January 19, 2011.</ref>
=== With racing cars === In June 2008 at the Michigan International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Lifelock 400 and shared information about coasting (a hypermiling technique) behind the pace car during the caution flag.<ref name=":3" />
== Records == In August 2017, the official Tesla club in Italy, Tesla Owners Club Italia, had five people drive 29 hours in Southern Italty to drive a Tesla Model S 100D a total of {{cvt|1078|km}} on a single charge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liptak |first=Andrew |date=2017-08-06 |title=Italian Tesla drivers set distance record after driving Model S 670 miles on a single charge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/6/16104628/tesla-drivers-italy-distance-record-model-s |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2018, two Colorado residents drove 32 consecutive hours to drive their Tesla Model 3 {{cvt|606.2|miles}} on a single charge. It beat a previous record of {{cvt|560|miles}} from a Tesla Model S P100D, but it fell slightly short of a 670-mile run in a Model S by an Italian team last August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=2018-05-29 |title=Tesla Model 3 drives 606 miles on a single charge in hypermiling record |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17405906/tesla-model-3-hypermilling-driving-record |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2018, Frenchman Pierre Desjardins set a record covering {{cvt|351|miles}} of the Périphérique ring road in Paris on a single charge in a 40kWh Renault Zoe, which had an official WLTP range of just {{cvt|186|miles}}, and ended up with a fuel efficiency of {{cvt|7.9|miles}} per kilowatt hour.<ref name=":2" />
In 2022, a team from the armed-forces charity Mission Motorsport drove two stock 52kWh Renault Zoe cars, with an official range of {{cvt|245|miles}}, at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire to break the previous Renault Zoe EV hypermiling record.<ref name=":2" /> They maintained a speed of {{cvt|19-23|mph}}, and followed racing lines that offered the path of least resistance. The first car finished at {{cvt|424.7|miles}}, while the second car finished at {{cvt|475.4|miles}}, which was {{cvt|230.4|miles}} more than the Zoe's WLTP range and ended up at {{cvt|9.14|miles}} per kilowatt hour.
==Safety and awareness program== Hypermiling has come under fire from several sides because some hypermilers show dangerous or illegal behaviour,<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-08-23 |title=Motorists risking their lives to save on petrol |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/motorists-risking-their-lives/2008/08/23/1219262622708.html |accessdate=2011-05-28 |publisher=Smh.com.au}}</ref> such as tailgating larger vehicles on motorways to save fuel, cycling between accelerating and coasting in neutral, and even turning the engine off when its power is not needed.<ref>{{cite web |last=CNET |date=2014-11-11 |title=How To: Hypermile and get great gas mileage |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCt_bFvXeg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/XsCt_bFvXeg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |access-date=2018-11-12 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> For this reason, the Hypermiling Safety Foundation was established in August 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hypermiling Safety Foundation - Home Page |url=http://www.hypermilingfoundation.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080826024249/http://www.hypermilingfoundation.org/ |archive-date=2008-08-26 |access-date=2026-03-23 |website=www.hypermilingfoundation.org}}</ref> to promote a safety and education program that promotes legal fuel-saving techniques.
== Cultural impact == As of 2022, hypermiling may be considered a popular pastime, where there are MPG marathon events and hypermilers share their success in maximizing fuel efficiencies.<ref name=":2" />
==See also== * Fuel economy in automobiles * Rat running * Energy-efficient driving
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == * https://www.cleanmpg.com/ * https://www.hypermiler.co.uk/ * https://ecomodder.com/ * {{Wiktionary-inline}}
Category:Driving techniques Category:Energy conservation Category:2000s neologisms