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

Almost my first month anniversary!

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Chkstar, Jan 29, 2008.

  1. Chkstar

    Chkstar Fl Amatuer Nature Photographer

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2008
    11
    5
    0
    Location:
    Boca Raton, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    As I approach the end of the first months ownership of my 2008 Silver Touring Edition Package #2 Prius, I can say that I am quite impressed. I am getting about 47-50 mpg around town (I commute 20 miles each way to work). I have put about 850 miles on my car and have filled up twice so far. I still have 1/2 a tank left!

    I actually look foward to driving, as its so much fun to drive...

    A few concerns come to mind;

    Are there any repercussions for using the Brake mode to slow the car when I am approaching a red light? Sometimes when I do this to recover the kinetic energy, the battery symbol goes to green.

    What precautions would I have to take if I want to install my 2 way amatuer radio in the car? Has anyone done this and had any interference issues?
     
    #1 Chkstar, Jan 29, 2008
  2. tkil

    tkil New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2006
    158
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    You should not have to use the "B" mode in normal driving; just pressing the brake pedal will engage the regenerative braking mode. (The "B" mode is more for extended downhill sessions, similar to downshifting in manual/automatic transmission to use compression/vacuum braking in order to save brake pad wear and heat fade).

    To put it differently, unless you're descending something like 1000ft (300m), don't bother with "B" mode.
    I don't have links handy, but I know that I've seen threads on this board about installing ham radio equipment. It seemed doable, and with proper external antenna installation, it shouldn't be an issue. Try searching the site for "ham" or "amateur radio"

    Good luck,
    t. (KC0IKZ, although I'm not active)
     
    #2 tkil, Jan 30, 2008
  3. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

    Joined:
    May 1, 2006
    2,817
    187
    49
    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Tkil is correct regarding use of B mode. Taking it one step further, though: B mode actually wastes more energy than regenerative braking. See this for a detailed discussion.
     
    #3 JimboK, Jan 30, 2008
  4. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I only use B mode when descending a hill I know will charge the battery to a point where the HSD dumps energy by spinning the engine at the bottom of the hill anyway. In other words I use B to dump energy I haven't got room to store. I use it once per day on a 1km 11% grade.
     
    #4 patsparks, Jan 30, 2008
  5. Chkstar

    Chkstar Fl Amatuer Nature Photographer

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2008
    11
    5
    0
    Location:
    Boca Raton, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    Thanks for the replys... So the B mode is using the pumping loop of the engine to reduce the speed, sort of like an Engine Brake on a Diesel Truck. This is good to know, because that would reduce the longevity of the engine. Its so hard to tell what is going on with the car, since is it so quiet and you dont hear the motor whine...

    As for the radio, I will look into this. Not too important at the moment, as I need to become more familiar with driving the car and its controls, the radio would just serve as a distraction at the moment:)
     
    #5 Chkstar, Jan 30, 2008
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)