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Heavy accelerating when ICE is cold

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Electric Charge, Oct 9, 2012.

  1. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    With the mornings getting colder now, I'm wondering if I should try to start driving using ICE so the engine is warm when I have to accelerate quickly when merging with fast traffic.

    My main concern is that typical gasoline engines don't appreciate being stressed significantly when the fluids haven't had a chance to warm up yet. Is this concern valid for the Prius ICE?
     
  2. ukr2

    ukr2 Senior Member

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    If it's cold and you start the PIP, when you turn on the Heat to Defrost or heat the car, the ICE will start before you leave the driveway.

    Even though we want to save Gas, expect the ICE to run more than in the summer.
     
  3. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    Well that's the thing, I haven't been turning on the heat when I start driving. I used to rely on my remote starter with my other Toyota, but the Prius with heated seats does such a great job, I don't bother.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when i know i'm going to need hv, i try to hit it a minute or two before i need it. as temps get colder, i will hit it earlier due to prolonged warm up time until it's so cold, i need heat as ken said.
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Just drive it... The PIP has more ways to account for a cold engine than any other Prius. There was a highly detailed discussion about this a couple months ago regarding freeway driving with a cold engine. The PIP has some really smart ways of handling the problem... Do a search for the thread if you want more info!
     
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  6. ngc4565

    ngc4565 Member

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    Unfortunately the science of internal combustion engines has not changed since the introduction of hybrid vehicles. Avoiding the use of the ICE and also having it ready at full capacity when needed are at cross purposes. It would be nice of the inverter cooling system could be used to heat the ICE, if it is not already.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the ice has little power when cold, just like the regular prius. if you can warm it up before needed, you're better off.
     
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    True... But the Plugin Prius has a much more powerful electric motor that intentionally throttles back the ICE when it's cold... Even at highway speeds...

    And more to the point if you're driving a shorter distance than it takes your engine to heat up... you're driving the wrong vehicle... (I don't listen enough when I tell myself that) Why not look into skateboards, scooters bicycles, jogging, etc.

    I went nine years without owning a car once. It's an entirely different state of mind! A one worth looking into from time to time!
     
  9. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    Alright, so it looks like this was definitely a good question. Will try to find that other thread as well. The hypermiler in me has been avoiding ICE, and now that it's getting cold, I was concerned I would be abusing the engine (nothing in the manual about it).
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    same here. i only use ice one or two days a week for long trips.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not sure who you're addressing this to, i drive 15 miles per day on a regular basis.
     
  12. rockerdan

    rockerdan PiP Rocks!

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    as a side note of oldshcool ICE thinking....these new thin synthetics even in winter will produce good top end oil pressure just about instantly. Nothing like the old days where you truly HAD to let the car idle abit in cold mornings til dyno oil would get to the top end and stop the "ticking".

    I would simply push HV button a minute before the hwy power is needed on VERY COLD mornings. But for these fall temps there is no problem waiting IMO.

    Dan
     
  13. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    What's great is that with a plugin you can drive 15 miles a day
    Yea... You're right... A PIP doesn't need the ICE for short distances... I was referring to regular Prius, which isn't what this discussion was about! Apologies...
     
  14. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    I work 3 miles from home. I would love to be able to drive a small electric scooter to work. However, I also have to drop off my two daughters at school. One is 6, the other 9. I don't think scooters or bicycles are going to work well for that.
     
  15. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    The electric motors of the Plug-in and Liftback are the same. The actual difference is that the larger battery pack of the Plug-in is able to deliver more power.