So - why does the fan have so much effect... I played around. Turning on the fan only - no A/C drops the estimated EV range by about 20%. While driving in non EV mode, turning the fan on seems to cause a drop in reported mpg. Did they not use the actual power draw to do their calculations? Seems that just the fan switch itself is used; not actual consumption or power draw.
I just realized today, that watching these penny savings fractions really distract me from driving and watching the road, and enjoying the PIP's other good features))) Come on, nobody said you'll get away with not using gas at all. Economy is better than the regular Prius, given, that should be enough to be proud of this amazing car.
Our JUST DRIVE IT motto came about back in 2000 from the very same reasoning. You don't have to do anything special.
It did come about a lot later again))) I am so happy today, my $8 HOV check was finally cashed by DMV. ))))
I've never seen such a large drop. Its usually around 10-12% max. Today, I drove home with fan on 2 bars and A/C On (in Eco mode). About half way through my commute, I turned the fan down to 1 bar and left the A/C on. There was some road construction, so I was probably on the road 10 more minutes than usual. However, comparing today's trip versus yesterday's trip (without fan or A/C), I estimate I lost about 0.5 to 0.75 miles of EV from having the fan and A/C on the whole way (13.0 miles). Previously, I had estimated I lost about 0.25 to 0.5 miles of EV range. But that drive home was "fan on" 100% of the time and "A/C on" only about 50% of the time. *On my commute home I consistently run out of EV range about 1-1.5 miles from home due to the +600 foot elevation gain in the last 3-4 miles or so.
We all have a new hobby now, or rather occupation. My favorite guru in computers used to say -Time Waster Pro. If it happens again, I would think it is time to check your traction battery. I doubt thou, they have enough trained mechanics to do so yet))))
Any way to reset the poll ? When the thread started, I was @ 12.9, As of this morning I hit 15.1 ! :rockon:
I sadly have fallen into that category for the last three mornings Charge it for anywhere from 4 - 6 hours, so fully charged, and the past three mornings, it's been 9.6, 9.4 & 9.7??? I'm trying to keep my "Happy Feeling" about this, but.......
Full range in miles, driving in EV/ECO was 25miles after a wall charge of 10.2 miles. After EV depletion car then went into HV.
Just to absolutely confirm, your climate controls (fan, A/C, etc) are all Off, right? If that is the case, that is definitely on the lower end. How is your daily commute? Lots of quick starts, hill climbing, start-and-stop? Just to update, mine is hovering around 12.6 to 12.4. When I drive to work, being more downhill, a fresh charge at work shows around 12.6. But after the drive home (more uphill), a fresh charge shows 12.4. This is the same pattern/range I saw prior to disconnecting my battery. So I think unless I change my driving pattern/style, this is probably what I'll be seeing most of the time.
I've also been getting 9.6, 9.7, or rarely 10 after a full charge for the past several weeks. No A/C, no heat, no hard acceleration, mostly 25-35MPH around a residential neighborhood, lots of stop signs, a few hills. I might gain .2 miles of charge going down a hill then lose .3 miles going back up, which doesn't seem too significant. Maybe it's all those stop signs that are reducing my range - lots of repeated slow acceleration from a dead stop.
Not that I'm saying this is fully what is causing your low EV miles estimate, but... By leaving it charging for 4 - 6 hours it implies that the battery is sitting fully charged for a good 3 hours each time you charge before you use it. The manual recommends that you use the timer and have the car charge such that it just got done when you are ready to use it. There is probably some charge that bleeds away (although not that much) while it is fully charged. This condition also can contribute to the early reduction of your battery's capacity.
I think the hills and the many stops and starts are what are reducing your EV range. I know I get the best EV range driving on residentially streets but anything that makes the car start and stop can contribute to inefficient EV miles.
What I find works best for me is looking at all my options for roads to use 25 - 35 mph if possible and as few stop signs as possible. Speed and stops and hills is a real killer for range. I have went from 12.5 miles on electric now I am at 16.5 miles after reworking my route less hills fewer stop signs and less speed!
Hill and start/stops will bring the number down. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am switching to HV mode for the last 2 miles to my house as a test. It is all uphill. Over the last two week, my EV range in the AM when first started has risen from 11.4 to 13.3 this morning. This is the first time I have ever been over 13.....
I agree that my EV range is probably being reduced by hills and start-ups from the many stop signs. That probably also explains the somewhat disappointing mileage I got with my old 2008 Prius close to home - about 35 MPG around my neighborhood vs. 48 when I included a lot of freeway driving.