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I just went to town and back to get some take-out for dinner.
It was only 4.3 miles, I should have been getting CRAZY GOOD fuel economy, as it basically would be an electric car!
However, it was cold out. The little road and snowflake symbol was on the dash. The engine came on after starting the car for it's typical "turn the engine on briefly" routine, but after that I was riding all electric.
But as I drove along, I was getting anywhere from 50-85 mpg. This was with arrows on the display screen going from the batteries to the wheels and NO arrows from the engine to the wheels! WTF!?
I did hear/feel the engine being on, but there was no indicator that the power was going from the engine to the wheels!
So here's what I'm wondering..... How does the 12V battery get charged in the Prius? It was dark, so I had the lights on. Rather than was gas to run the engine to run the heater, I simply turned the heated seat on. Both the headlights (HID) and the seat heater are loads on the 12V battery system. Does the Prius only charge the 12V from the engine?
I didn't hit 99+ mph until half way home (three-quarters of the entire round-trip.) While I was getting the take-out, I left the Prius on, so it wouldn't have to "reboot" and go through that whole engine starting thing again.
I did bother to set the scangauge to show the accessory battery voltage. It was 13.9 - but that was with the car on and cruising down the road. Once I parked the car and turned it off, it read 12.4V - relatively low for a 12V batt.
It makes me wonder if driving in EV mode most of the time will take a toll on the 12V battery. The former owner had replaced it once.
If anyone knows more details on the Prius 12V system and how it charges, let me know! It may be that my first mod involves adding a smart 12V trickle charger.
Also, the inside of the car looks really nice. Winter hear is always sloppy and wet, with plenty of salt on the roads. I'd like to get some good floor mats and seat covers. If anyone knows of a place to get mats and covers specifically for a Prius, but not overpriced, please let me know.
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