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

Prius Prime Air Conditioning on Electric Power

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Lemon, Aug 16, 2021.

  1. Lemon

    Lemon New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2021
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Jose, California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello!

    On a hot day, how long can I run the air conditioner on battery only before the engine has to come on? Assume Prius Prime (used model, say 2018) and starting off with 100% charge.

    Thanks!
     
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    1,732
    1,157
    0
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Lots of variables not the least of which is outside temp and humidity. You’re shooting at a moving target.
     
  3. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    927
    615
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Maybe 2-6 hours depending on how hot it is.
     
  4. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2011
    695
    269
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    My Prius will go 25 miles whether the A/C is on or off.
     
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,315
    15,101
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    The Prime's battery capacity is quoted as 8.8 kilowatt hours.

    The air conditioning compressor is variable power, can be anywhere from over two kilowatts when running flat out, to under a tenth of that in mild conditions.

    Those compressor-power figures are what I've observed in my Gen 3. I don't expect Prime's to be a whole lot different, but I haven't looked the numbers up. Of course Prime's system is a heat pump and can also be used to warm the cabin in cold weather.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,785
    48,987
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    so, depending on speed,that would average an hour?
     
  7. Lemon

    Lemon New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2021
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Jose, California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Sorry I should clarify. I'm asking about a parked vehicle with the AC on. Ballpark range is fine. Thanksa
     
  8. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    927
    615
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Usable capacity is actually about 6kWh. Just running the screens and gauges in the car and nothing else is at least 200W. On a mildly warm day with the AC on, the total power won't ever be below 600-800W, and if you're in the sun it will probably be more like 1.2-1.8kW. If you're somewhere unreasonably hot like Arizona it will surely be higher. So like I said, 2-6 hours.
     
    burrito likes this.
  9. Lemon

    Lemon New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2021
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Jose, California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Awesome, that's exactly what I needed, thanks for the reply!