Estimated miles to empty

[southernLC]

I have been getting 23.3 mpg (combined), yet when I fill up, the estimated miles until empty will usually be in the 320 range. I have also checked my mileage by hand and it is fairly close to the LC computer.
If our gas tanks are 17.9 gallons and I am getting around 23 mpg, then a fill up should show around 400+ miles until empty. Just doesn’t make sense to me. Any thoughts?

 

[LCOceans]

Hello,
I believe there are several threads that explain in better detail, but I recall that it keeps a couple of gallons in storage and not shown on miles to empty gauges. This because with hybrid it is important not to run out of fuel to not cause damage to engine. Pretty sure this is the gist of it.

 

[Nuke]

Hello,
I believe there are several threads that explain in better detail, but I recall that it keeps a couple of gallons in storage and not shown on miles to empty gauges. This because with hybrid it is important not to run out of fuel to not cause damage to engine. Pretty sure this is the gist of it.

One would think the reverse, as a hybrid could limp a VERY short distance to fuel. However, with modern vehicles in general, one does NOT wish to run out of fuel, if nothing else, to not damage the in-tank fuel pump.

 

[TakaraLC]

One would think the reverse, as a hybrid could limp a VERY short distance to fuel. However, with modern vehicles in general, one does NOT wish to run out of fuel, if nothing else, to not damage the in-tank fuel pump.

I think it is because if you completely drain the hybrid battery, it cannot be charged up since the on board battery controller can’t be powered, and needs to be towed to the dealer.

Their gas powered models also have very large reserves though, to protect the gas pump.