New to the Prius

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-Current)' started by ctscoob, Aug 9, 2019.

  1. ctscoob

    ctscoob Junior Member

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    Hello! Newbie here! I just switched from a ‘16 Tacoma to a ‘20 Prius Prime Limited. It’s dark gray with the black interior, and I had tints added to the side windows. This is my first hybrid. I was considering a Tesla, but couldn’t justify the price. The reliability and MPGs of the Prius Prime seemed like the next best thing! I’m still learning all the features but so far so good! The garage I park in for work has free charging, and my commute is only 22 mi round trip. Soo, I’m anticipating minimal gasoline usage in my future.
     
    #1 ctscoob, Aug 9, 2019
    Arctic_White, drash, GTprii and 6 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats and welcome, all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 9, 2019
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  3. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    You should never use gas on your commute is it is that short. You will love the car once you grow with it. Congrats and welcome to this site.
     
    #3 huskers, Aug 9, 2019
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  4. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    OP,

    Welcome to PriusChat !

    *****************************

    When you charge at home for nights & weekends, do you have any type of conveniently located 240v receptacle ?


    Rob43
     
    #4 Rob43, Aug 9, 2019
  5. ctscoob

    ctscoob Junior Member

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    No, but I have an unused one in my basement I am thinking about having relocated into the garage.
     
    #5 ctscoob, Aug 10, 2019
  6. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    Congrats on the new ride. Note that in winter below 14F the engine will run to provide cabin heat. But I would bet that annually 95% + of your commuting can be done on EV.
     
    #6 jb in NE, Aug 10, 2019
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  7. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    Sounds good, I'm just trying to give you fast charge options for when you're not at work.

    I have no idea if it's possible for you to run a 10 AWG extension cord from your 240v basement outlet to where it would need to terminate, but that would be substantially cheaper than any other method.

    Using your OE Toyota EVSE unit, charging times will drop down to ~2 1/2 hours.


    Rob43
     
    #7 Rob43, Aug 10, 2019
  8. ctscoob

    ctscoob Junior Member

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    Thank you. I just upgraded my electrical service at home to 200amp last summer when I had a pool put in. I have a lot of empty spots for breakers, so I might just have my electrician add one and install a 240v charger for me.
     
    #8 ctscoob, Aug 11, 2019
  9. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    You can put in an L2 charger for a few hundred bucks and might get some of that back from your electric provider. But for the cheaper route you can install a dryer receptacle and run your stock EVSE with a $43 (approx) conversion pigtail.
     
    #9 jb in NE, Aug 11, 2019
  10. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    Delete
     
    #10 evpv, Aug 11, 2019
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2019
  11. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    DO NOT USE THAT ADAPTER !!!

    THEY MELT AND ARE AN EXTREME FIRE HAZARD.


    Rob43
     
    #11 Rob43, Aug 11, 2019
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  12. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    Theory or fact? Link...
     
    #12 evpv, Aug 11, 2019
  13. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    FACT....

    The one I personally tested got REAL HOT, I luckily discovered it before any disaster or fire.

    Multiple reports of melting before and after I bought mine....

    Your Amazon seller tells you they're rated at up to ~3750 watts IIRC, the actual Chinese manufacturers state a maximum of 1800 to 2000 watts depending on who's selling it. This rating is roughly ~800 watts BELOW our needs, thus overload and fire.


    Rob43
     
    #13 Rob43, Aug 12, 2019
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  14. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    701464C7-A0D1-4C15-89C4-A262B55D66BB.jpeg

    Thanks for the heads up, Amazon issued me a refund. The unit shows 10 amps @ 230v molded into the plastic. Misleading “15 amp max” specs on the Amazon listing.
     
    #14 evpv, Aug 12, 2019
  15. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    I build these adapters all the time, I use the best materials & 100% copper 10 AWG wire. If you want one let me know, it will outlast your car...


    Rob43
     
    #15 Rob43, Aug 12, 2019
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