To show off the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s gas mileage, a team of drivers will pilot the new model from Mount Vernon, Va. to Washington D.C. The team will consist of four Ford hybrid experts, Wayne Gerdes, a record holding hypermiler, and Carl Edwards, a NASCAR racer.  The drivers, who will drive in two to three hour shifts, will need to average 57 mpg to make it all the way to D.C., which shouldn’t be a problem if Ford’s claims that engineers have achieved 70 mpg in testing are true.

In addition to showcasing the gas sipping qualities of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, Ford is hoping that this trip will emphasize the driver’s role in fuel economy.  Apparently Ford is as sick of hearing people moan about how their hybrid doesn’t get the advertised gas mileage and has decided to teach people gas saving tips.  The team will be running clinics after the trip to teach consumers easy to use methods that will maximize their fuel economy.

Because Today is Earth day, and saving gas is a good idea anyway, we’re including some tips from Ford that should help you squeeze out a few extra mpgs.

* Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
* Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
* Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
* Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
* Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
* Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
* Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
* Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed;
* Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum.