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charging the EV pack while driving

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by tekstyle, Feb 23, 2015.

  1. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
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    Location:
    seattle wa
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    From my understanding, there are 3 batteries in the PIP. 2 of them are for EV mode, and 1 is for Hybrid mode. they are all hooked up together and also the electric motor when it is fully charged. when the first pack (ev pack) get's depleted, it will disconnect via relays from the remaining 2 packs. then when the second pack is depleted (second EV pack) it will discontinue from the last remaining pack. below is a small simple diagram of what it looks like:

    Fully charged: (EV1)-----(EV2)-----(HYBRID)-----[motor]
    1st pack depleted. still in EV mode: (EV1)---x---(EV2)-----(HYBRID)-----[motor]
    both EV packs depleted and in HYBRID mode: (EV1)---x---(EV2)---x---(HYBRID)----[motor]
    (x = disconnected)

    once the packs are disconnected. I read that they will not be reconnected until the prius is plugged into a wall for charging.


    SO THE QUESTION IS, how am I able to gain 4 miles of EV range when my car dropped out of EV mode prior from simply driving alone (down a very very very long stretch of road on a steep mountain) if in theory, there should be no way the regenerative braking would be able to charge any of the EV packs because they should have been physically disconnected from the electrical system once depleted.
     
    #1 tekstyle, Feb 23, 2015
  2. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2008
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    Location:
    Central New York
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The pre production PiP had 3 batteries. The production model for sale to customers has one traction battery and one 12v battery for accessories and to start up the car. So, the traction battery is not disconnected from the electric system upon depletion and can charge back up on lengthy downgrade roads.
     
    #2 Chazz8, Feb 23, 2015
  3. tekstyle

    tekstyle Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2014
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    Location:
    seattle wa
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    thanks for clearing that up. good to know that it's one big battery. does anyone know if the entire thing is made of lithium or a combination of NiMH and lithium?
     
    #3 tekstyle, Feb 24, 2015
  4. Prius 2007 user

    Prius 2007 user Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Question Tekstyle: NIMH/lithium battery mix.
    The've got to be all one sort or the other, rule of thumb is NEVER mix different batteries on the same deck (e.g. if you mix NIMH, NICAD or lithium A, AA,or AAA size on the same serial charger, some will inevitably get destroyed and even possibly melt or catch fire).
     
    #4 Prius 2007 user, Feb 24, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    all lithium cells. the exact chemistry is proprietary.
     
    #5 bisco, Feb 24, 2015
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