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EV Mode: Backup on Long Road Trip?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by mr88cet, Apr 13, 2017.

  1. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    I've been hoping that charging up before a long road trip, and taking that trip entirely in hybrid mode, can serve to use the battery in EV mode as a backup in the event of engine failure. That is, enough EV distance to get you to the next town, to get repairs, or at least a hotel.

    While, conceptually, that seems plausible, at least in many cases, there's no guarantee that Toyota designed the failure-diagnostic system that way. Even if the engine is stationary in EV mode (or at least is not operating), there's no guarantee that if, say, something goes wrong with spark generation, the computer won't shut down the entire drive system, including EV operation.

    Does anybody know of any concrete information along those lines?

    I'm inclined to suggest somebody, strictly temporarily of course, disconnect a spark-plug cable and then try driving in pure EV mode, but that might not be safe, so I won't suggest that...


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    #1 mr88cet, Apr 13, 2017
  2. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    We know Ev mode range can be used after the car runs out of gas.
     
    #2 Lee Jay, Apr 13, 2017
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  3. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Aha! That's a positive sign at least.


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    #3 mr88cet, Apr 13, 2017
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    If engine failure is such a concern, why take that car on a long trip?
     
    #4 Trollbait, Apr 14, 2017
  5. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Not a huge concern, but it's a strategy...


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    #5 mr88cet, Apr 14, 2017
  6. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    Things to do to be as safe as possible on a long car trip:
    1. Buy a Toyota.
    2. Properly maintain your Toyota.
    3. Never let total remaining range drop below 150 miles.
    4. Have a spare, goo kit or plug repair kit with you, and know how to use them.
    5. Have a cell phone and a cell phone charger with you to call for help if you need to.
    6. Carry snacks and water in case you have to wait for a while.
    7. Carry emergency equipment if applicable (flash light, blanket, and so forth).
     
    #6 Lee Jay, Apr 14, 2017
  7. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    You forgot, don't drive in large metropolitan area like Southern California!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 HPrimeAdvanced, Apr 14, 2017
  8. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    For crossing the Outback;)
    Outside of Alaska, there are few places on the US roadways where you will be far from in aid; be it walking, cell phone coverage, or passing traffic. Driving around with a full battery in a PHEV in case the ICE dies is over concern along the lines of carrying two full size spares. You are more likely to need those spare tires than have an engine fail in a Prius.
     
    #8 Trollbait, Apr 14, 2017
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  9. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    You're right, I forgot that:

    8. Don't drive in Southern California.
     
    #9 Lee Jay, Apr 14, 2017
    priuscatprimeguy and HPrimeAdvanced like this.
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