36.56 MPG

499.4 mi, 13.659 gal @ $4.359 = 36.56MPG

59,388 total miles. 76 on Branham.

Man, gas sure is getting expensive! In four months it's gone up by a dollar a gallon, nearly 20%. My mileage has been on track, slightly below what is predicted by the onboard computer (37.5 MPG), but that is to be expected since it doesn't count when the vehicle is stopped with the engine running.

The new 12V battery is working out great. I didn't have to reset any settings or anything when I swapped it; I tried to use jumper cables to ensure either or both the new and old batteries were connected at the same time, and I guess it was successful.

New 12V Battery.

59,027 miles.

After needing a jump again last night at the office I decided it was time to get a new battery. I swung by Sears this morning and picked up one of the Die Hard "group 96R" 12V batteries for a total of $110.62. While waiting I called the local Capitol Ford dealer to check their stock and price. They wanted about $15 more than Sears, and did have stock, but I was already at Sears so I just went with that.

The demands on this battery are lower than with a conventional engine, because the hybrid uses the high voltage battery and motor to start the engine, rather than the 12V under hood battery. I think the 12V battery is something like 565 CCA.

59027 total miles at time of battery replacement. The new battery is warranted for 72 months (6 years), with free replacement for the first 18 months.

37.43 MPG

457.6 mi, 12.225 gal @ $4.079 = 37.43MPG

58,888 total miles. Chevron on California Circle in Milpitas.

I filled up at Valero last tank and the MPG is right in line with my previous tanks from Chevron. I went back to Chevron this time because it was in the right location when I needed it, and a decent price (hardly, but you know what I mean).

Interestingly, the computer now has 37.4MPG as my average, which was dead on for this tank.

After dinner this evening I went out and had a dead battery again. After jumping it and driving 20 minutes it was fine, and started ok the next morning, but I will probably have to replace the 12V "low voltage" under hood battery very soon.