Would it make sense to buy the prime if I never intend to plug in?

Does the mower do idle discharging, or does the battery self-discharge that fast?

If continuous (i.e. not going to a predetermined setpoint and stopping), I would call the former a poor design. The latter would be a poor selection of battery chemistry. Any car maker doing either is throwing away a huge amount of reputation and customer goodwill.

 

I don't know your particular sales situation, i.e., do you stay at one location for 5-10 minutes or can it be an hour or two like me. Several of my clients let me park at their homes or businesses for the hour or two that I might be there. I just visited a friend for several hours, and he let me plug in at his house. So depending on your circumstances, you might find the plug-in a really good thing for saving gas, and people, at least out here in California, are usually ok with letting you plug in.
I lived in an apartment for quite a while, and the landlord was kind enough to run 110V a/c outlet to my carport from my adjoining apartment. So there's usually a way, when there's a will!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Yes by the sounds of that I figured A system that has phantom loads on a lithium pack is poor practice, now if it's on purpose with a shut off...

 

Self discharge can be high, but not that high.
Elevating Self-discharge - Battery University
Environment plays a part in the rate, and Li-ion batteries also have the safety circuit load. Nickle based ones, including NiMH, have the fastest rates.

 

I have encountered self discharge even higher than that, in a zinc based product. Mercifully, your link doesn't mention that type.

NiMH can have far far lower self discharge, but must be specifically designed for such. The generic ones certainly were poor.

During a work investigation at the start of this decade, I latched onto Sanyo (now Panasonic) Eneloops, and have been quite happy with them at home ever since. They have a charge retention of years. Competing products have entered this LSD (low self discharge) market too, though not quite with matching results.

 

My rule of thumb:

1. LONG distances -> Prius HEV: larger trunk, +one seat, +towing, very reliable small battery, comparable mpg for long trips, no expensive parts to repair as Prime's 4-LED or carbon rear hatch

2. SHORT distances or MIX -> Prius Prime PHEV: heat pump A/C with larger battery can significantly improve mpg (Prius 52 mpg vs Prime 76 mpg at fuelly.com), almost zero costs/emissions for city driving finally possible, free charging stations, available Charging Mode for different strategies without plug in, dual motor drive for better EV acceleration, added sound deadening, more acceptable design incl. a big touchscreen, similar initial costs with probably better resale (US), adaptive highbeams & solar roof (EU)

 

Shortly, "Automatic High Beam (Prius US/EU, US Prime)" vs "Adaptive High-beam System (EU Plug-in)"

"The Automatic High Beam uses an in-vehicle camera sensor to assess the brightness of streetlights, the lights of vehicles ahead etc., and automatically turns the high beam on or off as necessary." (Prime Manual, pp.343)
vs
"The Adaptive High-beam System uses a camera sensor located behind the upper portion of the windshield to assess the brightness of the lights of vehicles ahead, streetlights, etc., and automatically controls the headlight light distribution as necessary." (UK Plug-in Manual, pp.345)

LED Array AHS video explanation:

In fact, I would appreciate the practical AHS experiences.

 

Is this vehicle Quieter than the 2016/7 prius?

 

Can't say, but it is a lot quieter than my 2012 v. At times I can't tell if the engine is running. I love being in EV mode and riding on a newly paved road @ 28 mph.

 

Good point (btw., a separate thread "US vs EU versions" would be useful).
It's connected to the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) that is different in both versions:

1. Prime TSS (US, Prime Manual): PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control), Automatic High Beam, Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

2. Plug-in TSS (EU, UK Manual): PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system), LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control), AHS (Adaptive High-beam System), RSA (Road Sign Assist), Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

So, US Prime has a separate "Automatic High Beam switch", on the other hand, EU Plug-in has an "Adaptive High-beam System switch".

 

In this review is written:
"On the motorway the ride comfort was decent. The retuned suspension and small, 15in wheels with thick tyres help here, and added sound deadening over the standard model reduces road and wind noise."
First Drive Review: 2017 Toyota Prius Plug-in
I guess, only a bit ...

 

The one you are thinking of was just discussing the differences of the EV modes.

This is it: European "Prime" has different EV mode names | PriusChat

 

I got a bunch of the Eneloops

 

Do you go up and down a lot of mountains in your sales run? That alone is worth getting the Prime unless you like listening to a screaming engine on descends.

 

I am in this exact situation. Ive had mine since january, its now up to 15k miles, and Ive only been able to fully charge it 3 times. Its gotten partial charges maybe a dozen additional times. I have no charging infrastructure at my residence, and only occasionally at work locations.

No harm to the car. Im going to suggest maybe matching the maintenance interval to the regular Prius recommendations might be wise, if there is a difference. The only real harm I see is that driving electric is FUN and not charging deprives one of having that experience as much.

That said.. Ive discovered other benefits of a prime. For instance. I recently went to a Baseball game, and discovered the stadium has electric car charging stations at their garage. Which just happen to be about the best parking space available. Same is true at a museum I frequent.

In addition.. If youve ever seen that old bumpersticker that says (Cool Prius -noone ever).. The Prime blows that right out of the water. There hasnt been a week go by that I dont get flagged down by a fellow driver or a pedestrian while stopped at a light, and asked questions through the window. And about every other fill, a gas attendant will have something to say about it.

 

I usually have a parking space reserved for me at my local supermarket. The charging stations are right up front. getting over 30 miles on a full charge. Its fun to put it in power mode when your first at a stop light and giver her some juice. Cars are left in a cloud of depleted electrons!!

 

i'm looking at a prime for the wife, she wont be so keen on charging, anyone have anything new to add since this thread originally ended in 2017 ? any unforseen issues arise ?