Fuel consumption has always been a topic of concern, especially with the high price of gasoline and the issues surrounding climate change. Alongside fully electric vehicles, hybrid cars are an alternative option to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
The capabilities of hybrid vehicles have been proven once again, as evidenced by a new record recently confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Wayne Gerdes with his Guinness World Records certificate.
Specifically, Wayne Gerdes, a resident of the United States, drove a Toyota Prius hybrid from Los Angeles City Hall on the West Coast to New York City Hall on the East Coast to set a record for fuel efficiency.
After a journey of approximately 5,200 kilometers, the Toyota Prius achieved an average fuel consumption of just 2.52 liters per 100 kilometers. This is significantly lower than the manufacturer’s specified fuel economy of 4.13L/100km.
Notably, Gerdes’ journey included typical climate and geographical conditions, and he even drove through the Mojave Desert, where temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The trip also involved an elevation change of 7,000 feet, or 2,100 meters.
The Toyota Prius that Gerdes used to set this record is an environmentally friendly car known for its excellent fuel efficiency. According to Toyota, the Prius can travel up to 1,036 kilometers on a full tank of gas.
To achieve this, the Prius is equipped with a self-charging hybrid engine, which means it has both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The hybrid system in the Prius, similar to other Toyota hybrid models, primarily relies on the internal combustion engine for power, while also recharging the battery pack to power the electric motor.
The electric motor assists during acceleration and steady driving, and it also recovers energy through regenerative braking when the driver applies the brakes or when the car decelerates, optimizing the energy generated from fossil fuels.
The Toyota Prius that set the Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency. Image: Toyota
However, to achieve a result that surpasses the vehicle’s standard specifications, driving skill is the key factor.
When asked about his approach, Wayne Gerdes said: “To set a record like this, you have to plan very carefully. You can’t just get in the car and do it. You need a plan, but you also need to be flexible. If something unexpected happens, you have to be able to change your plan, choose a different route, and figure out what you need to do to reach your goal.”
The record-setter also shared three driving tips that helped him achieve this remarkable feat. He recommends that drivers accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed. Additionally, he suggests easing off the accelerator early to make the most of the vehicle’s momentum when coming to a stop.
Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger setting a Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency in 2013.
Wayne Gerdes is no stranger to fuel-efficiency records. In 2015, Gerdes and Bob Winger embarked on a journey through all 48 contiguous US states to set another record.
During this trip, they drove a 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI (diesel engine) a total of 13,250 kilometers, achieving an average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km. Guinness World Records confirmed and awarded them the record for “lowest fuel consumption – driving through all 48 contiguous US states in a non-hybrid internal combustion engine car.”
This achievement surpassed Gerdes’ previous record of 3.02L/100km, which he set in 2013 with a 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI (diesel engine).
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