NPR’s Morning Edition recently spoke with Green Car Company owner Susan Fahnestock about what kind of fuel efficiency you can get with a plug-in hybrid. A U.S. Department of Energy report found that plug-in hybrids were showing only a little more than 50 mpg. when the vehicles are actually capable of much more.

Susan explained that plug-in hybrid drivers need to know how to drive in a manner that maximizes fuel efficiency. While it’s hard to shrug at 50 mpg, 80, 90, or even 100 mpg can mean incredible savings on fuel.

First thing you need to do is get rid of your lead foot. Accelerating quickly will cause the gas engine to engage. At 20 mph the electric motor is sufficient. Susan says to pretend like there is an egg under your foot, and if you hit it too hard, the egg will break.

Secondly, resist peer pressure. While you may feel pressured to keep up with other drivers, don’t feel obligated. It’s a balance between driving safely and operating the car so that it uses the battery to the greatest advantage.

If you’d like to tryout a plug-in Prius, we’d love to show you how! Visit our company site to see what’s available and how to contact us.