"Hypermilers" - Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Have you heard the term "hypermiler" lately? I seem to be hearing or seeing it at least a couple of times per week, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it still might not be a term familiar to most people, so I thought a little explanation might be in order.

So, I guess we should start with just what exactly is a "hypermiler" anyhow? "Hypermilers" are drivers who exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated mileage on their vehicles by modifying their driving habits. The term 'hypermiler' originated from hybrid vehicle driving clubs. As people began comparing fuel efficiency, they noticed that by using certain driving techniques, they could greatly improve their mileage. With the aid of real time mileage displays, drivers were able to refine these driving techniques and greatly exceed the EPA rating for their vehicle. Decades before the word 'hypermiler' was used, the techniques were used in events such as Mobil Economy Run dating to 1936. [1] Gas rationing during World War II forced some drivers to adopt these techniques, but they largely fell out of favor with the population after the war. This 1-paragraph definition comes from "wikipedia". If this topic interests you as it does me, I would encourage you to go to the site as there is a variety of additional information on the subject that can round out your knowledge nicely on the subject, or make you a "hypermiler" recruit, whichever comes first.