2009 Prius Base - $19k

[Matt Herring]

Hi Matt,

I think you meant to say that the Gen 2 Prius can be operated EV up to fourteen mph?

If I can fit in the Gen 3 comfortably, then it will be quite tempting, though the iQ is also looking sweet...
__________________
Sincerely, Neil

Originally Posted by Daox

Its generally accepted that it is possible to drive the Gen 2 up into the mid 30s fairly easily. Above that, it becomes very hard to not kick in the ICE. Speeds up to 41 mph have been reported, but I don't think you can do it very easily at all.

People have reported the Gen 3 is much roomier and has increased head room.

Neil,

What I'm referring to is "EV mode" or all-battery operation which is available in the Gen II up to 41 mph as long as you are up to temp (160 degrees+) and the battery is at least 30% full and not more than 80% full...normal EV mode in the Prius. Some people call it "stealth mode" or "EV coast."

In the Gen III (the new 2010's) EV mode is now available up to 46 mph (with the same temp and SOC restrictions). This is a HUGE difference with the extra mph to be able to be in EV mode using only the battery to operate the car. For me, because most of my commute is on 45 mph road to work, EV mode up to 46 mph would be a major increase in FE...I'm talking 4-5 mpg major increase.

Daox,

EV mode is actually very easy to keep the ICE from kicking in under 41 mph with a feather foot (I had it figured out after just a couple days in my Prius...with the help of my SGII). On flat ground you can actually increase speed in EV mode with a feather foot. On a decline I often have to take my foot off the go pedal to not pick up too much speed and go over 41 mph.

[Matt Herring]

I should also note...in regards to not going over 41 mph on my EV coast/accel...

When monitoring my SGII, "mpg" reads in the 1200-4000 range depending on speed while in EV mode (and also 0 rmp indicating I'm in EV mode). Alot of times I will go from EV coast/accel to neutral coast if I have a big decline coming up to use that speed to my advantage on my coast. However, if you get into neutral after eclipsing the 41 mph mark SGII will report about 150-200 mpg during that coast (after eclipsing 41 mph on the pulse the ICE kicks in and neutral coast is reduced to ICE on neutral).

So, getting into neutral from EV mode prior to the 41 mph threshold is key to maximize mpg. It will hold the 4000 mpg at 41+ mph in neutral until going back into drive. And, if you ride the neutral coast out until it works its way back down under 41 mph when you get back into drive the ICE will kick in for 1 sec and then back into EV mode.

[Daox]

Good to know Matt! I had heard from others that its not easy to keep it in EV mode. Do you have an EV mode switch?

[PA Prius]

Matt, I'm wondering why your SGII is only showing 1200 to 4000 mpg when in EV mode? Mine always pegs at 9999 at those times, which seems more accurate since it is not using any gas. I've never seen mpg numbers in your 1200 to 4000 range on my SGII. But 4000 mpg isn't too shabby either. :-)

PA Prius

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Daox

Good to know Matt! I had heard from others that its not easy to keep it in EV mode. Do you have an EV mode switch?

I don't have an EV switch...just regular 'ole feather foot to keep it in EV mode.

When I was researching my EBH purchase I was in a spending mood so I researched the EV switch as well. For me, as I don't do alot of highway driving, the EV switch does not offer a very big mpg gain compared to other drivers that may have it. Typically, on my commute for work, I can keep it in EV mode about 20-30% of the 11 mile drive. My battery bar fluctuates between 30-60% charge on my commute. Maintaining speed (at or near 45 mph) is my biggest hurdle in my drive as that is the speed limit for about 6 miles and it's hard not to draw the ire of people behind me when I'm going anywhere less than 45 mph (most are doing 50).

So, because the EV switch only operates 34 mph and under it doesn't make sense for me to install it. It's a fun little thing to have on the car but I would probably not use it that much. And, it sucks quite a bit out of the battery when in use (most users are reporting 1-2 miles of use of the switch before having to go back to ICE).

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by PA Prius

Matt, I'm wondering why your SGII is only showing 1200 to 4000 mpg when in EV mode? Mine always pegs at 9999 at those times, which seems more accurate since it is not using any gas. I've never seen mpg numbers in your 1200 to 4000 range on my SGII. But 4000 mpg isn't too shabby either. :-)

PA Prius

When I see 1200 mpg on my SGII and the ICE is off I'm crawling at 10-15 mph at the end of my commute (either into my work or home parking lot). When I'm in actual EV mode and up to speed (say 35-40 mph) I'm pegged at 9999 on the mpg readout.

My 1200-4000 mpg example was for going from EV mode to neutral coast and back into EV mode (I should probably more accurately describe EV mode as battery only use).

[PaleMelanesian]

An EV switch is also very useful as an "ICE deny" switch. You can make it glide at times when the computer would normally fire up the engine. Not to run EV and drain the pack, but to extend / initiate glides.

[Matt Herring]

Good point Pale...there are times the ICE kicking in is unavoidable (starts from a light with traffic behind me that I don't want to annoy by crawling in normal EV). Something to consider also.

[Matt Herring]

Great news! After running into a dead end at my local Toyota dealership (because my salesperson no longer works there) to promote my Super Commuter Driving Instruction I went to Plan B and contacted my local newspapers' "Green Living" writer to tell her about my Super Commuter Driving business and what it and hypermiling can offer to her readers. She's calling me later today to arrange a driving lesson for herself (unpaid) and she'll include a photo of our lesson in the piece as well as some info. on her experience with the lesson (and hopefully how to get in touch with me if people want to do lessons).

Below is the email she sent me...if you guys want to send me some good talking points or have any ideas I'll make sure to mention them when I'm with her. The focus of her article is to replace her current car that has a lease ending soon.


Hi Matt,

I am currently working on a column about my upcoming car choice as my 36 mpg economy car is nearing its lease end.

Is it greener, comparing resources used to build a car with gas consumption, to keep my current car or should I try for a hybrid? What are the environmental effects of a hybrid’s battery, which contains hazardous waste? What is a hybrid battery’s useful life and how much does it cost to replace and dispose of?

I think a great addition to my research would be a brief lesson on hypermiling with you. I could have a photographer from the News come out and snap a picture of the lesson. For you it would promote your business, however, your time would be unpaid. I can’t afford it, and neither can the newspaper. As I am sure you are aware, numerous newspapers around the country have closed, and several Salem News columnists--along with my token--have been cut.

I’ll give you a call later on today to discuss.

Thanks so much for contacting me and reading Green Quick Fixes. I look forward to hearing all about hypermiling.

Andrea

[Daox]

Pretty cool Matt. I'd just stick with some of the basics and dispelling myths about hybrids. You get too nitty gritty and you start loosing people I think. Good luck!