HybridFest 2007 VIDEO 1 - Hypermiler Randall Burkhalter and his Honda Insight
Randall Burkhalter is the proud owner of a Honda Insight - the first exclusive hybrid model to the United States. It is not an ordinary Insight, however. Randall has fitted it with the MIMA system - a favorite tool of the hypermiler. It basically slaps an M in front of the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) Honda hybrid system, standing for 'Manual.' This gives the driver total manual control over how much motor assist or regeneration you are using at any given time with the use of a joystick. There is a small joystick in the cupholder in the center console, some control buttons on the stick shift, an LED display in the rear viewed through the rearview mirror, and the rest is all you. The system is actually quite reasonable at about $600 and consists of a few wiring harnesses that work around the factory system, a couple custom control boards, and that's basically it. The result, with practice and a change in "driver attitude" as Randall calls it, is an average of around 95 mpg. Remember, no mechanical modifications are being made, just some electronic add-ons.
Randall commutes 80 miles round trip each day, and goes to the gas station once a month. I'll just let that sink in for a second.... So that one-time $600 investment, for you lucky Insight owners, you can make back in savings probably in about six months. If your feet tend to go towards the "hot-rod performance" (which would likely mean you don't own an Insight anyway), make sure you adjust that driver attitude first - and quit complaining about not getting those EPA estimates - take a page from the books of these hypermilers.
More videos on the way. Keep watching ABG!
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Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Seems like a good argument for the serial hybrid.
One thing I'd like to see in one of these forums is a comparison of the relative efficiency of the parallel hybrid approach vs. the serial hybrid. Getting rid of the transmission's weight and friction should offset any inefficiencies inherent in going to a full-range motor and, probably, a bigger battery pack.
4. There are a few problems with this approach:
It complicates driving, with an additional control that needs to be taken care of. We do not need additional distractions for the driver.
It dramatically increases the risk of excessively discharging the battery, thus shortening the battery life and possibly causing system failure.
It voids the warranty, so if the battery goes dead, you can't blame Honda for your shenanigans.
6. "...you can't blame Honda for your shenanigans."
What's the difference between this and reprogramming the timing to get more power in other cars? Modders pour thousands of dollars to shave a fraction of a second off the starting line, and they think it's worth every penny. I don't see why this is big deal when it happened to be a hybrid?
I think if people can respect others for their racing hobbies, then they should cast the same light on Hypermilers as people who are enthusiastic about cars.
I thought about the MIMA for my Insight, but I have too much traffic to really take full advantage of the system. Instead, I obey the first rule, take an attitude adjustment and I get EPA numbers every single day. I go with the flow but always put myself in opportunities to drive at a moderate pace, and have a relaxed, smooth ride home. It's easy, and cost me nothing.
I respect Hypermilers for what they can achieve, but I'm glad Mr. Randall Burkhalter mentioned that driving well is an important element in saving fuel.
7. I need some advice. My 2000 Insight, the big battery is beginning to discharge almost completely regularly. No one seems to know how much a new one will cost? Also, how can one get work done to change from IMA to MIMA. I have 85K miles,original brakes and tires. Aveerage Mi/gal 74.8.
Posted at 10:29AM on Sep 7th 2007 by P Militello, M. D.
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1. Wow!
Posted at 10:48PM on Jul 26th 2007 by AlexNC