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Charging on-the-go...

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by PixelRogue, May 3, 2017.

  1. PixelRogue

    PixelRogue PR

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    Given the inability to regenerate the aux.battery once depleted, I have started to recharge as possible when on the highway.

    Recharging consists of pulsing the pedal with EV off, and activating HV mode on any regenerative opportunities. (Pulse (gas) & glide (HV mode).

    Issue: it is easy to accidentally forget which mode (EV or Gas) when pulsing/gliding if you not paying focused attention. Result - you may be pulsing on electric and quickly draining the reserve (rather than filling.)

    Looking for maybe some type of mod that would change the tactile feel to differentiate the EV mode from non EV mode. A vibratration or something as the finger is always on the button - so something that tells the finger the mode.

    This is probably super unique and do not expect anyone to have yet tried any such thing - and yet there are some wildly smart and creative folks on the board who may have some great insight.
     
    #1 PixelRogue, May 3, 2017
  2. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    To be honest, going out of your way to charge the HV battery (I would assume "aux battery" = 12V) while driving will probably lead to inefficient driving. You're probably better off letting it do its own thing. The one thing I do is turn on EV mode on long descents if I'm going within the EV speed limit (85 km/h on European models for whatever reason), with the addition of shifting to B if it's steep enough for extra regen.

    Regarding knowing if it's in EV Mode or not - there's a nice big green light on the instrument cluster, and also indication on the HUD (if you have one).
     
    #2 QuantumFireball, May 4, 2017
  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    This is confusing. You have a Prius V (Prodigy, you must know the difference. He has a V because it is a 2010. The Prius v 'wagon' uses a lowercase v.) This is important, as much as people want to ignore it) but post in the plug-in Prius forum. Here we refer to the 12 volt battery located in the cargo area as the aux battery. The battery under the rear seat is the traction battery. Toyota sometimes calls it the hybrid battery.
    The aux (12 volt) battery is charging whenever the car is in Ready mode, ready to drive. The traction battery is charged in two situations. When the engine is running (EV light is off) and during regenerative braking. B mode on the shifter is designed for long downhill stretches. It uses some of the energy to rotate the engine so it does not overcharge the the traction battery.
    The EV Mode button is designed for when you just need to move the car for short distances at a slow speed when you do not want the engine to start.
     
    #3 Prodigyplace, May 4, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017
    giora likes this.
  4. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    I'm surprised there's been so little talk about this, but using B in EV Mode on the PiP does not use ICE engine braking at all. It's like B mode in the Leaf - it just increases regen (unless the battery is full).
     
    #4 QuantumFireball, May 4, 2017
    N.J.PRIUS likes this.
  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Perhaps, but the original poster has a Prius V (V not v for the reason above) (Prius Plus in some markets).the Prius Plus is a Prius v (lowercase v, the wagon). OP has a 2010 Prius V, uppercase v, which was a Five beginning 2011 and on. Only 2010 used uppercase Roman numerals for model designation.
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, May 4, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Or he has both a 2010 Prius V and a Plug-in but we can only have one vehicle in the sig.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, May 4, 2017
  7. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Still, you do not go to EV mode to charge the aux battery...
     
    #7 Prodigyplace, May 4, 2017
  8. PixelRogue

    PixelRogue PR

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    Looking for a tactile means to feel the difference...dash will tell you when you are consciously looking at it...but want a tactile method to k now immediately without having to look at the dash lights all the time.

    Appreciate the clarification. Thank you.
     
    #8 PixelRogue, May 5, 2017
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