I'm driving a 2018 Prius Prime (plug-in). What do you want to know about it?

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Daox

I'd love to see you do a speed vs mpg chart for this car in hybrid mode.

That would require me to use the engine, and I told my friend I wouldn't.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

If it will charge with more than 3.8kw and I get one of these I would install a higher capacity charger.

It's a 3.3 kW charger.

How far does it really go on all electric and how big is the battery?

It looks like it won't be hard for me to beat the official EV range (40 km = 25 miles).

• 40 km = "EV distance to empty" displayed after top-up charge, as of first thing this AM
• 23 km = distance I've driven so far today
• 25 km = "EV distance to empty" currently shown

Hmm... 23 + 25 > 40!

That's all sub/urban driving in my sleepy little city. Eco-driving, not hardcore hypermiling. Main eco techniques: gentle acceleration (when no cars behind); looking well ahead and coasting to as many stops/turns as possible (when not holding up following traffic). Conditions: warm weather (24C / 75F); windows open (no AC); "ECO" drive mode selected.

So it looks like 50-60 km = 30-37 miles of EV range is within reach in this driving environment.

Is it like a volt where the gas engine kicks on at high way speed?

Confused me there. I have read the Volt's engine sometimes drives the wheels at certain (higher) speeds, but only when the battery has already been drained and the ICE/generator is running. In EV mode (unlike the Prius), it's 100% electric, all the time. Am I wrong there?

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Stubby79

I happen to like grey. At least gun-metal or charcoal. It would be my go-to if I couldn't find one in blue...

How come?

"Grey" is an adjective... for dull/boring!

Also, it's gotta be less safe than some other options. Also, the darker the grey, the more it shows dust/dirt. Also... Also... Can't get my mind around grey!

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Does the ICE fire up when you need heat? Can you keep it in EV mode while mashing the accelerator?

EV mode will provide electric heat (it has a heat pump), but only down to a certain outside temperature. Owner's manual says -10 C / -14 F. Has a heated steering wheel, too.

As for mashing the gas, it will summon the ICE if you push it hard enough, or "suddenly" (says the manual). I haven't had it fire up on me yet, but I tend not to mash it. I've also been using it in ECO mode, which probably raises the ICE-assist threshold. EV mode keeps up fine with normal traffic flow around here.

I read that the previous gen. Prius plug-in took lots of flack in reviews because the ICE often fired up to aid acceleration. This version doesn't do that.

[MetroMPG]

This is the first car I've spent time with that had a head-up display.



Now I want it in all my cars, especially the efficiency info.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I read that the previous gen. Prius plug-in took lots of flack in reviews because the ICE often fired up to aid acceleration. This version doesn't do that.

Yeah, my PiP likes to kick on the engine if you look at it wrong. If you forgot to turn the climate control off when you park, and it's cold out, then it fires up the engine right when you turn the car on the next time to make heat.

EV power is not up to standard acceleration rates, but fairly close. The problem is that even if you don't mash the pedal too much to fire up the engine the first 6 times you accelerate, but accidentally trip it on the 7th time, the engine fires up and runs until engine coolant hits 130 F. You get used to knowing where that threshold is, but it takes a while, and even then I occasionally trigger the ICE.

My PiP with a ~14 mile EV range has averaged 30% EV and 70% hybrid mode.

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, EV mode is much stronger here. I've been describing this car to friends/family as an "electric car" for city use, with hybrid backup for longer trips.


It seems an accurate description with this model.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

It's a 3.3 kW charger.

It's not hard for me to beat the official EV range (40 km = 25 miles).

• 40 km = "EV distance to empty" displayed after top-up charge, as of first thing this AM
• 23 km = distance I've driven so far today
• 25 km = "EV distance to empty" currently shown

Hmm... 23 + 25 > 40!

That's all sub/urban driving in my sleepy little city. Eco-driving, not hardcore hypermiling. Main eco technique: looking well ahead and coasting to as many stops/turns as possible (when not holding up following traffic). Conditions: warm weather (24C / 75F); windows open (no AC); "ECO" drive mode selected.

So it looks like 50-60 km = 30-37 miles of EV range is within reach in this driving environment.



Confused me there. I have read the Volt's engine sometimes drives the wheels at certain (higher) speeds, but only when the battery has already been drained and the ICE/generator is running. In EV mode (unlike the Prius), it's 100% electric, all the time. Am I wrong there?

It probably only applies to the first gen volt.
The gasoline engine ran above 70 mph.

As far as acceleration goes my leaf can light up the ecopia tires a little. I doubt it will be able to get much more than a squeek out of the yoko avid ascend tires.

[redpoint5]

How well does it rally, in EV only mode of course

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

...but accidentally trip it on the 7th time, the engine fires up and runs until engine coolant hits 130 F...

Couldn't you just turn the entire car off...EOC...and then restart the car back in EV mode?