My Prius is like a video game

When I first got my Prius 4 years ago, I was completely transfixed by the real-time MPG display. Multi-scale feedback! I could see my mileage per tank, in 5-minute increment, and moment-to-moment. I experimented with my driving style, trying to beat my "high score" each day.

I've mellowed out since those heady first days, but I still pay attention to my mileage - and I'm happy to see that others are noticeing the game-like quality of this kind of display. Games are great at motivating behavior - and if we had more MPG feedback, I'll bet that people would drive in a way that would reduce emissions.

Raise your Prius gaming score

In this era of sharp political and religious divides, we can surely agree on one thing. Constantly watching the mileage measurements on the Prius's little video screen is really a mobilized video game. It's NOT simply driving a car. How long can I coast and keep the mileage at "99.9?" If I use engine-braking down this slope, how much can I re-charge the battery? I did 48.9 MPG the last time I drove to Oregon, can I beat it this time?

Admittedly this is a bit of a cerebral game. No droids or monsters. No explosions or body count. And I have the advantage of living in San Francisco with its extreme topography. Perhaps this game would a little less exciting if I were in a flat place like Ottumwa. But it would be even more subtle and challenging. Prius is surely the most expensive, biggest gaming machine built...so far....

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Comments

[Jessica]

Hello,
I am the Deputy Editor of Today Tomorrow magazine, the official magazine for owners of Toyota vehicles.

I love the fact you compare your Prius to a game. Would you be interested in participating in a full page portrait in the magazine? If you are familiar with it, it is the last page of the magazine, called ‘I Love My...’ The basic idea of the I Love My slot is to feature a short pen-portrait of a Toyota driver and their relationship with their car.

We will need to speak to you for about 10 minutes over the phone, and also take some pictures of you, which should take 2-3 hours (though we can shoot at a time convenient for you).

As we are working to a very tight deadline with this page, I would really appreciate it if you could get let me know if you are interested by Friday so that we can set up a date and a time.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Jessica

[michael jones]

When something is like in video games i am sure that it is nice. I am happy fo you! Interesting article!

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