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How do the 2 batteries work?

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Kelvin Ng, Sep 30, 2018.

  1. Kelvin Ng

    Kelvin Ng Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
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    Location:
    San Jose
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I'm new to PriusChat - just got a 2018 Prius Prime Advanced so I'm pretty excited.

    I have a question/concern though:

    I plan to purchase this cigarette adapter that can potentially draw up to 75 watts:


    If I put my car into accessory mode (press power button without holding the brake), and I use that adapter to charge my laptop, does it draw power from the battery pack in the trunk or the typical car battery from the hood..?

    If I'm parked and charging my car (plugged in J1772 and charging), will the Prius Prime be smart enough to route the power from the (big) battery pack in the trunk (while it's charging) to power my laptop?

    The worst case scenario that I'm concerned about is:
    - I'm parking and charging my car (J1772)
    - I switch the car to accessory mode
    - I use the cigarette adapter to charge my laptop for 3 hours, for example
    - the front battery ends up dead, even though I've been charging the back battery (J1772)
    - I've got to call AAA for jumping the battery now, which I've heard is more complicated than jumping a regular car..

    Any thoughts?

    Some additional misc. notes to consider:
    - I'm well aware that I've I'm not charging my car via J1772, I should not switch it to accessory mode - just leave the car READY to drive, and just park - that way, I'm sure the engine will kick in to run the engine to charge the batteries
    - Whenever I plugged in (J1772), the car forces the car to turn off, I cannot go into READY mode when charging, so I can only take advantage of accessory mode when plugged into J1772
     
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    1,732
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    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    If you’re charging the Prime won’t let you do anything else as I remember.
     
  3. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2004
    12,747
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Leaving a laptop unattended for charging in the car is a terrible idea. Smash & Dash takes a matter of seconds.

    Just purchase a POWER BANK instead. Then, you can have extra AC power where ever you travel. It comes it really handy when you need electricity, but there is no outlet available.

    This is the one I have...
     
    padroo likes this.
  4. Kelvin Ng

    Kelvin Ng Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Jose
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I don't intend to leave a laptop unattended for charging in the car.
    I would be in the car - using the laptop - while charging the car (J1772) - while charging the laptop (USB-C cigarette adapter).