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2012 Plug-in Prius - Ten questions, including about my Canadian 2012 Technology Package

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Eug, Mar 7, 2015.

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  1. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Thanks. These batteries still seem OK I guess.

    Kill-A-Watt tells me a full charge took 2.97 kWh (two days in a row), and today it was fully charged after 2 hours and 23 mins (and I don't know if it was actually earlier than that since I didn't check earlier).

    At these charge rates, a 240 V 30A charger seems quite unnecessary. Maybe if Toyota releases a 2017 Plug-in with 20 mile range option, there might be more point to a faster charger.

    Still, it'd be nice to have a second charger, even a 120V one, always present on the side of my house. If I could get one of those used ones the Leaf owners can get for $300, I would have already ordered one. I've seen Toyota ones out there, but for much, much more money.

    EDIT:

    Hmmm... This thread says the Leaf charger works with the Prius.

    Can you use a Leaf charger with a Prius Plug In? | PriusChat
     
    #41 Eug, Mar 15, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that should be correct.
     
    #42 bisco, Mar 15, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i thought l1 charging was fast enough too. but some of us do so much in and out all day, the quicker the better. nothing more frustrating than going on a 10 mile r/t only to find out you're still charging. on the plus side though, you'll find you're 95% charged in less than 2 hours.
     
    #43 bisco, Mar 15, 2015
  4. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    I hear ya. Because of that, and because of the fact that I think the Nissan cable (as I mentioned in the other thread) only has I believe 22 feet after the rectangular box thingy (which I'd mount on the wall), I will forego the tempting eBay pricing on the Leaf charger. That would be the same specs as that the Toyota cable, which is just a tad short for my liking.

    The locations where I'm thinking of mounting it would require a 32 to 50 foot extension cord anyway, and one of those locations is prime for a 240V external box installation, which would be better suited for an updated Prius model or other car with more kWh requirements.

    According to Clipper Creek, their US$395 low end 20A model is also 22 feet after the box, but the higher end ones are 25 feet, which is the max. Those 3 feet actually make a difference for my setup.

    The location where a 240V box would go would actually be an easy DIY job, since it would simply involve drilling a hole in the wall next to the breaker panel, and running the 240V line outdoors in flexible conduit. I think the hardest part about the install would actually be threading that big thick red cable through the conduit. o_O

    At the point I do decide to get a 240V unit, who knows, maybe the gov't here will also allow me to get a rebate on the purchase of the unit and the installation. If they would give me the rebate now I might have just gone ahead and installed one now. However, I don't qualify. I bought a used Prius plug-in, and I don't get the cash rebate for it. That I can understand. However, what I don't understand is why I don't qualify here for the EVSE purchase/installation rebate either. An absolute requirement to get the EVSE rebate is to have received the EV/PHEV rebate. So, if you purchase a used EV/PHEV, you can't get the EVSE purchase/installation rebate. :rolleyes:
     
    #44 Eug, Mar 15, 2015
  5. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Ordering accessories for this car is going to be a PITA. Aside from a block heater, Toyota Canada lists NO accessories at all for the Plug-in Prius. I called two different Toyota dealerships and they both verified this. So, should I get a block heater, since that's all I can order? ;)

    Strangely enough, Amazon.ca lists the part there, but with a 4-6 week ship-out time. I ordered it, but I'm starting to think they can't get it either, unless they're importing it from the US.
     
    #45 Eug, Mar 16, 2015
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've never been able to get my head around how the block heater would work on the plug-in. We have the block heater, use it religiously, year 'round. But how's it going to work with a car that typically takes off electric-only, and runs maybe 15~20 thus?
     
    #46 Mendel Leisk, Mar 16, 2015
  7. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Well, on cold days the ICE comes on much more often, and will come on if you turn on the cabin heater.

    I never bothered getting a block heater for my Prius 2004 because of the extra hassle factor, but if I'm unplugging the car anyway, it might not be such a big deal to unplug the block heater.

    BTW, my gas mileage on the 2004 sucked in the winter.
     
    #47 Eug, Mar 16, 2015
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    actually, the ice comes on just like a regular prius if you want heat, and has to run to maintain temp.
     
    #48 bisco, Mar 16, 2015
  9. Northeastern

    Northeastern Junior Member

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    I also recently bought a 2012 PIP (dealer demo) 28,000 km...advanced model from a dealer in Ontario this past November and then drove it (3000km) home to Newfoundland ( most easterly point in North America)
    Recently had a level 2 installed.. allows 2 to 3 charges some days.
     
    #49 Northeastern, Mar 16, 2015
  10. Northeastern

    Northeastern Junior Member

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    IMG_20150204_124647.jpg 40 amp level 2
     
    #50 Northeastern, Mar 16, 2015
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ice comes on to provide heat? Sometimes I think you say stuff like that just to bug me. :p
     
    #51 Mendel Leisk, Mar 16, 2015
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Given that batteries don't like to be charged fast when cold, I suspect the car will use a combination of the two - engine and battery, to provide motive force under gentle acceleration. In that case, an EBH would still work (as would blocking the grille) to help the engine warm up faster. Howver, I question the longevity if the engine never fully warms up in the winter because of this setup. The engine will only run enough to provide heat and if your commute doesn't involve highway driving or is shorter than 10-20km, then wouldn't this require the more "severe" maintenance schedule?
     
    #52 Tideland Prius, Mar 16, 2015
  13. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

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    I thought that the whole point of using a block heater was to start the drive with the engine fully warmed up, i.e. engine coolant and block at normal operating temperatures. I believe that after using a block heater the cabin heating system can produce warmth right away and the ICE startup will be delayed until engine coolant goes below 130F because of heat loss to outside or heat transfer to cabin.

    So I would think that using a block heater would extend longevity because the engine does not have to initially run with (think winter) cold coolant or engine components (already bathed in pre-warmed coolant).
     
    #53 Chazz8, Mar 16, 2015
  14. rxlawdude

    rxlawdude Active Member

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    Chill, Mendel. :)
     
    #54 rxlawdude, Mar 16, 2015
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The block heater raises coolant temp, but not to normal operating temps. It really just gives the engine a leg up, temp plateaus about 25C above ambient, after about 2 hours. Engine still runs, but you get fully warmed behaviours sooner.
     
    #55 Mendel Leisk, Mar 16, 2015
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    What Mendel Leisk said. It warms it up but not to operating temperature.
     
    #56 Tideland Prius, Mar 16, 2015
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    but of course, once the 'engine' starts, toyota has it programmed to minimize pollution and prevent excess wear and tear, even if you don't ask for heat. no need for the severe maintenance schedule. but who would have their 'engine' running in winter and not want heat?
     
    #57 bisco, Mar 16, 2015
  18. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

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    I learned something new today. Engine block heaters do not heat coolant/block to operating temps. Thanks PriusChat and Mendel Leisk.

    I still think that preventing the engine from running at extremely cold temps with a block heater would help engine longevity. I don't believe the engine runs only enough to provide heat. At the start of a drive when my wife's 2012 PiP Adv. turns on the ICE it is near impossible to get it to turn off before a complete warm up cycle ending with coolant 130F (or 90F ?) Time to get the Scanguage II plugged in the PiP.
     
    #58 Chazz8, Mar 16, 2015
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  19. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    That's a long way to go for a used car. :eek:

    Very similar mileage to mine, which was just a tad over 29000 km. Well under 1000 km on EV mode though. Which model, base or Technology? I bought mine not so much because of the Plug-in, but because it was in great condition and had the Technology Package, and it had low mileage.

    Ah, Sun Country. I was looking at the Costco plug-in one from Sun Country for $850. 40 A Level 2 but with a NEMA 14-50 plug. Is the Prius Plug-in your only EV/PHEV? because that charger is overkill for the PiP, but I guess it doesn't hurt to future proof for a couple of hundred bucks more.

    I believe the Sun Country units are rebranded Clipper Creek models, because they look exactly the same.

    ClipperCreek | EV Charging Stations | EVSE | Electric Vehicle Charging

    What did you do for the post the charger is mounted on? Does Newfoundland have rebates for the car and EV charger install? I can't get the EV charger install rebate. If I could I'd strongly consider installing it.

    Nice house by the way. It seems you have a long driveway too. :p
     
    #59 Eug, Mar 17, 2015
  20. Northeastern

    Northeastern Junior Member

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    Bought the technology package....when doing gardening last year, dug a trench for the 240 v cable and put a post in place..connection was easier when the time came for the level 2 charger.
    Future proofing is the plan... when the time comes to trade my wife's 2009 prius the plan is to pick up my an full EV as the other car
     
    #60 Northeastern, Mar 17, 2015
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