Sleeping in hybrids- a/c run all night off battery?

I've noticed, while setting with the air on, if I'm parked on a slope with the park engaged, the engine start and stop can shake the car. I've found that if I set the park brake before engaging park, the start and stop is a lot smoother.

 

If I recall correctly my old Gen 2 wouldn't charge in park or neutral. But that has changed in my Gen 4. Almost daily, I sit in park for about a half hour doing my morning EMails. It's winter so the engine needs to run occasional for the heat and charging. It seams to work well. I don't know how well the air works with recharging. A few months before that.

 

Definitely won't charge in neutral. I think every Prius generation will happily charge in Park.

-Chap

 

Today I paid attention. With car is in park. I ran enough stuff to discharge the battery to two bars. The ICE came on and charged until 4 bars and about another minute. I then cranked up the heat. To engine ran more often and charged the battery. Now it was about six bars. So I looks like there is no issue with letting the car sit running in park for long periods of time.

 

Just remember to have enough fuel in the tank FIRST!

 

With the Gen3 .......If you park in the shade and move the temp to 78 -- the car hardly runs at all ...... couple times an hour for a minute or so. We do it all the time with the dog and I have used the car as an office (all day) while building my new house on many many occasions. I take the Prius for that very reason ... in the winter time the engine has to start up more often depending on the temps. I don't really know if they have a supplemental electric heater or not -- But, obviously the engine needs to be at a reasonable temp for proper operation.

Our Gen4 is better in every respect (except quick heat in the morning) - so I'm expecting it will run less in the summer and about the same in the winter. Sitting in the shade not moving much the car is fine at 78 --- 76 makes a noticeable change as does any direct sun. Maybe double -- still not much

 

I've been stopped in traffic with the a/c on. It doesn't take long to drain the battery and then the engine comes on. If it's not too hot, I shut off the a/c when it looks like the traffic will be stopped for a while like when a draw bridge is up or for road construction with one way traffic.

 

It's a lot easier to fit a newer, thin 20s something under the hatch than the somewhat inflated "old girl." Maybe it's time to upgrade.

 

Heat is different. It comes from the ICE cooling system and the ICE must run to heat the coolant. If you want heat, carry a sweater.

Cool, on the other hand, is produced by the scroll compressor which runs off an electric motor. Scroll compressors are highly efficient and just sip at the battery. If you keep the system on Auto, you will be surprised how infrequently the ICE will run, and only for short periods.

 

I am now backing slowly away and hoping to be nowhere near this comment when anyone notices.

Or a little 45 watt heated 12 volt blanket ... surprisingly cozy.

-Chap

 

LOL, Yeah ... my ex already made the upgrade.

 

Good idea, we have had several postings on camping, Lay down in the car and make sure it’s flat also consumption is reported to be about 2 gal/ 1 night. Engine running on a Toyota Hybrid, leaves NO sign of carbon. Take a good test run and then run your finger in the exhaust pipe, there is NO carbon residue !

 

Search older post for camping experiences. 2002-2010

 

@JimmyPri on Hawaii is a source of useful information with regard to camping in a Prius. There are a few of his videos on YouTube and in the videos section on Prius Chat forum.

 

I've left 2nd and 3rd ven Prius' running for days in 98f and 34f temps. Engine cycle times are relative to heat or electric needs. IIprius camp all the time. The system runs flawlessly and 2gal/ 24h is the most I've used. My Prius also serves as a generator for track events where I need tire warmers and a giant fan. I use a 2kw inverter and these cars Can do it.

 

2 gal/ 24 hrs ! that’s amazing.

 

Why would anybody want to live in a PRIUS? ...LOL

 

Who are you to judge what people want to do?