Ferox International Blog

Hypermiling is a new craze that is sweeping the world.  People everyone are looking for new ways to save money on fuel.  Earlier this summer, there was a Hybridfest MPG Challenge.  People from all across our nation met in Madison, WI to compete for the title of “U.S.’s Best Hypermiler.”

Each driver had the same goal.  This goal was to achieve the best percentage over the EPA’s estimates for their vehicle.  There were six different divisions.  Drivers in each division showed their driving and fuel efficiency skill.  Hypermilers have set out to show the world that it is possible for an individual to slash gasoline consumption and global warming emissions…all through driving habits.  Hypermilers have proven that an increased fuel efficiency is possible when driving techniques are used.

Here are the winners from each of the four of the six different divisions.

Division One (Honda Insight)

William Kinney of Kennewick, WA.  He went 168 MPG in a 2005 Honda Insight.  This fuel efficiency was 223 percent above the EPA’s estimate for the Insight of 52 MPG.

Division 2 (2004-2007 Toyota Prius)

Jerad Parish of Madison, WI.  Parish got 110 MPG in a 2005 Toyota Prius.  The 110 MPG mark was 139 percent above the EPA’s estimate of 46 MPG.

Division 3 (Civic Hybrid and 2000-2003 Toyota Prius)

Michael Beres of Free Soil, MI.  Michael got 63 MPG driving a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid.  This was 62 percent higher than the EPA’s estimated 41 MPG.

Division 4 (Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Chevy Silverado Hybrid)

Gary Gattis of Jupiter, FL.  He got 60 MPG in his 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.  This was 100 percent higher than the EPA’s estimated 30 MPG.

Hypermilers had to drive on a course to make sure that no excessively slow driving or speeding occurred.  Drivers had to stay at or close to posted speed limits.  Hybridfest is a non-profit organization that is run entirely by volunteers.  Hybridfest’s goal is to promote awareness of hybrid electric vehicles, as well as an understanding of the vehicles.