Mileage-maximizing techniques and the fuel-efficient 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid enabled drivers to get an astounding 1,445.7 miles from a single tank of gas.

Averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in a, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, a team of drivers drove the vehicle around Washington.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Mile Challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, maximized their mileage by using a few simple techniques that can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy.

Mileage-maximizing techniques include:

• Accelerating smoothly up to the posted speed limit


• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic


• Anticipating traffic signal timing and traffic patterns, and slowing down to minimize stops


• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear


• Minimizing the use of vehicle systems such as heated seats and air conditioning


• Keeping windows closed whenever possible to reduce drag


• Minimizing excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed


• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Mile Challenge called upon the team to drive several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately 48 continuous hours. The drivers took turns during the round-the-clock event. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with approximately 30 traffic signals.

Carl Edwards Drives Past 1000 Miles:


Quotes
“It was very exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity like JDRF, makes it even more special. There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”
- Carl Edwards, Ford NASCAR racer

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly. When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town the gas engine shuts down just the way it is supposed to. There is not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”
- Wayne Gerdes, CleanMPG.com founder