Toyota Prius set world record for highest MPG across America

A man and his trusty Toyota Prius have been awarded a Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption while driving across the US.

Wayne Gerdes set off from Los Angeles City Hall all the way to New York City Hall in a Prius LE. 

On the 5,167km (3,211 miles) trip, he achieved an impressive fuel economy of just 93.158 miles per gallon combined.

Gerdes and the Prius smashed the previous record, which sat around the mid-70s MPG combined.

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The Prius traveled from coast to coast

There are plenty of motoring-related Guinness World Records out there, such as the world’s smallest production car – the Peel P50, if you’re wondering; the world’s oldest truck driver, belonging to 90-year-old Doyle Archer; and fastest motorized wheelbarrow – yes, really. 

Gerdes’ official record title is ‘Lowest fuel consumption driving across the USA from coast to coast (hybrid car)’, which is a bit of a mouthful – but still an inspiring achievement. 

Gerdes reckons that earning yourself a spot in the record books all comes down to being properly prepared.

“For a record attempt like this, it’s a lot of planning,” Gerdes said.

“You can’t just go sight unseen into doing this.

“You have to have that plan. But you also have to be able to work on the fly.

“So, if things change, you have to switch up your plan. Reroute. Figure out what you’re going to be able to do to achieve that goal.”

The epic journey saw Gerdes travel through all types of terrain and weather conditions – tackling mountain elevations as high as 7,000 feet and passing through the Mojave Desert where the temperature topped 40C degrees (105F).

The new record holder had some tips to improve fuel economy

Launched back in 1997, the Prius was the world’s first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid car. 

Since then, around 10 million units have been sold around the world, and it still remains a popular choice. 

“The Prius has impressed us all for the past 23 years, and frankly, it continues to wow us today,” said Michael Tripp, Toyota Vehicle Marketing group vice president. 

“The world record for the highest MPG to us is just one more proof point that the Prius truly is an engineering marvel.”

Offering advice for those hoping to boost their own fuel economy, Gerdes suggested slower take-offs from stops and keeping even pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Gerdes offers simple tips for everyday drivers to improve their fuel economy. 

He also said when stops are ahead, it’s best to ease off the accelerator early and use the vehicle’s momentum to glide as you approach the stop.

Sound advice.