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new owner, directed to this chat by dealer, to answer my questions

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Louise Blake, Mar 8, 2019.

  1. Louise Blake

    Louise Blake New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2019
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    Location:
    Acton, MA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius+ MPV
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    My primary curiosity has to do with how we can get the most over-all energy efficiency from our new Prius plug-in.
    We assume that the more we use pure electric battery power, the more over-all energy efficient we’ll be. Is this a valid assumption?
    Assuming it is, we’ve been trying to teach ourselves to drive in a way that uses the most (if not exclusively) energy displayed as ochre color arrows going from battery to drive-train and/or green colored arrows going from drive-train back to battery. We assume the latter involves recharging the battery, which seems to happen when we coast or put the brake on. Does this latter movement of green arrows represent the action of flywheel technology or something different? If not “flywheel,” what is powering the battery when we see this drive-train-to-battery green arrow?
    When we see the reddish arrows going from “engine” (i.e. gas engine?) to drive-train, or ochre arrows going from drive-train to battery, we assume this is using gasoline to re-charge the battery. Is this correct? If so, under what circumstances does this happen? Does this happen only when the battery is not adequately charged? …or also when we’re driving at highway speed and try to pass someone or go up a hill on the interstate? When we’re driving in local traffic, what percent of a full charge is generally needed to prevent us from relying on the gasoline engine to go up hills or to speed up in local traffic?
    Is it true that the battery will last longer if we let it discharge as low as possible before re-charging and then re-charge it fully at one time? (Computer jocks tell us this is the way to lengthen the life of a computer and an electric toothbrush, so we assume it’s also true of car batteries. Is it?)
    We’d also like clarification on a few other items from the 788-page manual:
    pg. 262 What/where is the “key # plate,” and what’s it used for?
    Is the “side window opener” an alternative to the “door unlock”? Can they not be used at the same time?
    pg. 266 How close to a microwave oven should our key not be allowed to get?
    pg. 268 Is the “smart key system” the same thing as the “wireless remote control”?
    pg. 271 Where/what is the “back door opener”?
     
    #1 Louise Blake, Mar 8, 2019
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Firstly, congratulations and welcome!
    And congrats to a very unusual dealer salesperson for recommending you here.
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 8, 2019
  3. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2018
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    did you buy this car at a Toyota dealer?
     
    #3 Skibob, Mar 8, 2019
  4. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
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    If it’s a Toyota dealer I disagree. He should be able to answer any and all questions related to the car or find someone at the dealer that can. If they bought the car at a non Toyota used car dealer that’s a different story.
     
    #4 Skibob, Mar 8, 2019
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    To your first question of efficiency, that can be complicated.
    But one thing to keep in mind is that electricity can be renewable, and gas is not.
    So plug in as much as possible, that’s what I do.
    As far as energy direction goes, the transmission ‘ecvt’ contains two motors that start the engine, propel the car, and regenerate electricity back to the battery when you are coasting or braking.
    Better than the arrows, go the the hsi ‘hybrid synergy drive ‘ screen, and use the bar to see what the car is doing energy wise.
    Search for ‘pulse and glide’ on you tube, and learn this most efficient driving technique.
     
    #5 bisco, Mar 8, 2019
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    You can charge or discharge the battery from any levels, Toyota has designed it for the longest possible life, regardless of this. It is not like small rechargeable devices.
     
    #6 bisco, Mar 8, 2019
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    The key # plate should be with the fobs, a small metal tag with your key code for duplication.
    Side window opener is an optional setting to roll down the windows with the key fob.
    You can get right next to a microwave, but best to store it at least ten feet away.
    Sks smart key system allows you to unlock the door and start the car with the fob in your pocket .
    Back door opener is under the rear hatch garnish. You squeeze it with your fingers with the fob on your person to open the hatch.

    All the best!(y)
     
    #7 bisco, Mar 8, 2019
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