1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Leaving a Low Level Charge?

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by DBLXX, Mar 10, 2020.

  1. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    118
    76
    0
    Location:
    NY NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    So...what would be a low level charge (in a %) and how long is long for not driving the car?

    I have a few cars...so in the summer when I am in my Corvette C7 or taking my motorcycle to work how long is leaving the PRIME without driving it considered long?

    Leave a low level of charge in the hybrid battery (traction battery) when leaving the vehicle undriven for a long period of time. After confirming that EV mode has switched to HV mode, turn the power switch off.

    Thx
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,861
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Low level is exhausting all the plug in charge

    Toyota doesn’t specify what a long period is, but it makes sense to just leave it uncharged until you know you’re going to use it
     
    jerrymildred likes this.
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,767
    16,014
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The last line is the clue. Basically, Toyota says to exhaust the EV portion of the battery and let the car go into hybrid mode. That’s the level of charge they want you to keep. I’ve left it as close to that as possible when I go on vacation.

    Long? Who knows. Could be 1 month, could be 6 months. Although, anything long than 6, I would imagine one will start thinking about storage care such as pumping up the tyres or putting in fuel stabilizer.
     
    jerrymildred likes this.
  4. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    118
    76
    0
    Location:
    NY NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    This helps, thank you! I use Stabil on every fill up as the gas could be used over a month or 2 time period.

    I'll run the EV battery down until the Hybrid kicks in. I already have the tires @ 51.

    I go a month, sometimes 2 without using a car. I haven't driven my 2019 Avalon since November 3rd.

    Thanks fellas.
     
  5. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2015
    10,958
    8,836
    0
    Location:
    New England
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If you are filling up a gas tank in a mouth or 2, I really don't see benefit of using Stabil. Although, it may not be hurt to add it, it's called for someone who does mostly EV drives and the gas stays in the tank for more than 6 mo, IMOH.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,767
    16,014
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    No problem.

    1-2 months of fuel should be ok. In my Gen 3, I was going through a tank every 4-5 weeks.

    On my Prime, I last filled up on Nov 3. I have just over half a tank left. I expect to refuel in May before a trip.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,861
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I just run my battery down, pump up the tires, and disconnect the 12v.

    Pray for no vermin
     
  8. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2012
    1,808
    591
    0
    Location:
    MONW, Ks.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I have an old bottle of Stabil.
    Does it have a shelf life?(n)
     
    kenoarto likes this.