BATTERY LIFE PROBLEMS WITH PRIUS PLUG-IN

Gen3 gas engine was designed to operate at peak efficiency at as low as 10 kW. This enable opportunities to blend in the battery power without sacraficing gas efficiency.

This is something people overlooked. They think if the gas engine comes on, the game is over as it defeats the point of plugging in.

It is crucial that blending in the electricity does not sacrafice gas efficiency and vice versa. The weight of the PHV battery pack cannot hurt the gas mileage. The size of the battery pack also cannot rob cargo space nor a rear seat.

Synergy was maintained while adding the plugin capability, as designed. Gen4 may enable more EV range but the goal set for Gen3 was 20km (12.4 miles).

 

The guy I spoke to at Toyota said not to expect EV range to increase anytime soon.

 

I'd be careful when asking for this. Every time someone says they have a piece of their mind to give to me it isn't a pleasant piece.

Mike

 

Good Point!

 

Got my 2013 PIP in early April. Bought a Trickle Charger and have left the car twice for periods over a month each with no problems. Remove the battery cover in front right engine compartment, move the red hinged cover off the positive and use the nut above and just to the rear of the battery for the negative. Works like a charm.