Just bought a new 2020 plug-in

Yup, it's a lot like charge mode but in 1-2 mile bursts. Mine will act like that up to between 50-60 mph. Over 60 and the ICE just runs unless I let off the gas or go down a hill.

 

My understanding is that techniques and tricks that allowed better fuel economy in the gen2 were incorporated into the hybrid system's programing. While hypermilers can't beat the ratings by the margins they could in the gen2, most drivers will get great fuel economy now.

 

It is more than that. The Gen 4 Prius/Prius Prime engine has achieved 40–41% thermal efficiency, which is one of the very highest in the industry, along with the new Camry Hybrid dual GDI/PFI engine and some new Hyundai/Kia Kappa TGDI engine that goes into the Ioniq and Elantra.

I get up to 85 mpg (95 mpg before accounting for the drop in the SOC) in HV driving on the Prius Prime without much effort.

Toyota new gasoline ICEs with 40% thermal efficiency

 

I know it's more than that. I was just addressing the different driving behavior of the car between generations.

 

Currently my typical actual mixed-driving HV fuel economy is 75+ mpg (80+ mpg before taking the drop in the SOC into account).

To get the actual mpg, I use the formula:

{ actual mpg } = { trip-meter mpg } × { ( trip-meter miles ) − [ ( EV range ) × ( SOC percentage drop ) / 100 ] } / { trip-meter miles }

For the mixed-driving EV range, I use 33 miles.

Hopefully when my engine is fully broken in, I will average an actual mixed-driving HV fuel economy of 80+ mpg. The current ambient temperatures are 55–65 °F.

 

Its funny but I have noticed something after owning a Prius Prime. You become much more conscious of gas mileage efficiency. My other cars get 23 and 27 mpg and I didn't think that was bad but now it starts to bother me. That is a good thing. I use to give more weight to 0-60 times etc. Now the threat of global warming has changed the equation. Now car ownership and what it means is also changing. Whatever route you take, a lot of people are looking how to lesson their environmental impact.

 

Do I give more weight to fuel mileage, to some extent. But the reality is that my mazda3 can zip through a corner 30 percent faster than the prius without the tires protesting. 50 percent faster while protesting. It's also, much much faster. Lol. Basically, my other car becomes my enjoyable weekend car while this one is more of a boring car.

 

GregorsonIT I totally agree. The fun car for me is an old school BMW 440 with a 6 speed manual and a loud exhaust.

 

Okay, I'm jealous. It's been a while since I've driven a BMW and I do miss a well tuned and maintained one. Every once in a while it's go to venture over, but I can't justify the costs of owning one anymore.

 

So far driving in the winter has been great in the Prius Prime. Handling is predicable and effortless. One thing that is good to know is if you put the car in eco mode it helps with icy roads. It seems to just slow the gas throttle up and minimizes spinning on ice even further. Slow erratic free driving is the key to safe winter driving anyway. I have Continental Viking 7 snow tires 195/65-15 on stock wheels and they run smooth and trouble free.

 

I'm afraid that is the nature of compromise on PHEV.

A heat pump uses less electricity to heat the cabin, but there are limits to how well it can do that when it is taking heat from outside air. A resistant heater would do the job for your short trips in temperatures too cold for the heat pump, but that scenario isn't likely common enough to justify the cost of offering it. Frankly, the option of an electric heater in addition to the heat pump, might confuse some customers. Besides, the engine is the back up heater, and you have to use the fuel up at some point.

The heated steering wheel issue is odd for the market. Are features and options the same across Europe? Is there an aftermarket option? There are little 12v heaters and heated blankets that plug into the car's outlet.

 

Resistant heaters take a lot of energy from the battery, and will greatly reduce EV range. You may not notice it on those short trips, but people will complain when their Prime's EV range drops below 20 miles with a resistant heater running.

Toyota went with the heat pump because it doesn't drop the range to such an extent. However, it does cost more than than a standard A/C unit. Adding a resistant heater on top will increase the price.

 

I think that Toyota's philosophy was that if you need serious heat, beyond what the heat pump can provide, then just use the available gasoline engine. Burning gasoline is a very efficient heat source.