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2010 vs. 2007 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by stereos, Mar 26, 2011.

  1. stereos

    stereos Junior Member

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    I have owed both Prius models. Just took a long trip with my new 2010 and noticed that going up steep hills going 65-75MPH that is doesn't drain my battery like my 07 did. I'm guessing that it doesn't use the electric motor...Anyone know??? Feed back would be good.Thank You
     
    #1 stereos, Mar 26, 2011
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have never seen the battery drain going that speed in my 08, but perhaps our hills are not as long and steep as yours?
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 26, 2011
  3. stereos

    stereos Junior Member

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    Yeah those where hills/moutains going over the continental divide in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
     
    #3 stereos, Mar 26, 2011
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    right. ours are molehills.
     
    #4 bisco, Mar 26, 2011
  5. bnaccs

    bnaccs bnaccs

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    I have noticed that too. I live in CO. I think it is because the 2010 has a bigger more powerful ICE 1.8vs. 1.5 on the 07. The 2010's 1.8 does not need as much battery assistance to climb as the 1.5 does.
     
    #5 bnaccs, Mar 26, 2011
  6. stereos

    stereos Junior Member

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    I don't think it's even using the electric motor/battery to go up the steep hills/mountains.
     
    #6 stereos, Mar 26, 2011
  7. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Based on many varied comments from Gen2 and Gen3 owners, I have also seen this general pattern. And during my own ID/MT/WY/CO road trip just a few months after acquiring a Gen3 (never had a Gen2), I saw no tendency to drain the HV battery while climbing.

    The electric motor/generators are being used, otherwise the car cannot move (unless coasting as a dead glider). But they are draining little or nothing from the battery, merely performing their 'continuously variable transmission' function. And this function is at the very core of how a Prius works.
     
    #7 fuzzy1, Mar 27, 2011
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Exactly correct. Both the Gen II and Gen III will draw from the battery if you ask for extra power, but the point where this happens has been raised for the Gen III, due to the larger and more powerful ICE.

    You can hill climb a Gen II without draining the battery, but you have to keep the speed down. The same is true for a Gen III, but it has more power. If you want to drain the battery hill climbing your Gen III, just press the pedal to the floor.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Mar 27, 2011
  9. stereos

    stereos Junior Member

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    That makes since. To bad the electric motor doesn't kick in alittle bit more to maybe give alittle more mpg going up hills since the battery is almost full going down the highway...
     
    #9 stereos, Mar 27, 2011
  10. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    Mine rarely drains the battery in hills, or on freeway...

    I'd guess this is how Toyota hedges their bet on battery warranty (CARB).

    I'd guess with the correct programming, a Prius could get better mileage (using the battery more)...
     
    #10 rrolff, Mar 31, 2011
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