From my understanding, there are 3 batteries in the PIP. 2 of them are for EV mode, and 1 is for Hybrid mode. they are all hooked up together and also the electric motor when it is fully charged. when the first pack (ev pack) get's depleted, it will disconnect via relays from the remaining 2 packs. then when the second pack is depleted (second EV pack) it will discontinue from the last remaining pack. below is a small simple diagram of what it looks like: Fully charged: (EV1)-----(EV2)-----(HYBRID)-----[motor] 1st pack depleted. still in EV mode: (EV1)---x---(EV2)-----(HYBRID)-----[motor] both EV packs depleted and in HYBRID mode: (EV1)---x---(EV2)---x---(HYBRID)----[motor] (x = disconnected) once the packs are disconnected. I read that they will not be reconnected until the prius is plugged into a wall for charging. SO THE QUESTION IS, how am I able to gain 4 miles of EV range when my car dropped out of EV mode prior from simply driving alone (down a very very very long stretch of road on a steep mountain) if in theory, there should be no way the regenerative braking would be able to charge any of the EV packs because they should have been physically disconnected from the electrical system once depleted.
The pre production PiP had 3 batteries. The production model for sale to customers has one traction battery and one 12v battery for accessories and to start up the car. So, the traction battery is not disconnected from the electric system upon depletion and can charge back up on lengthy downgrade roads.
thanks for clearing that up. good to know that it's one big battery. does anyone know if the entire thing is made of lithium or a combination of NiMH and lithium?
Question Tekstyle: NIMH/lithium battery mix. The've got to be all one sort or the other, rule of thumb is NEVER mix different batteries on the same deck (e.g. if you mix NIMH, NICAD or lithium A, AA,or AAA size on the same serial charger, some will inevitably get destroyed and even possibly melt or catch fire).
