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Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by slowmachine, Apr 14, 2021.

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  1. slowmachine

    slowmachine Member

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    After owning a 2010 Prius 2, and 2011 Prius 5, we spent a few years needing a larger car (AKA mini van and SUV) while our daughters were growing. Now one is headed to college in the fall, and the other is starting high school. Today, we ordered a 2021 Prius Prime XLE, which should be delivered next week. So,

    Other than browsing these voluminous forums, can anyone point me toward a "Prius Prime for Dummies" section? Is there anything that I really need to do, or be prepared to do, before it arrives? We are fortunate to have an attached garage with plenty of 120V outlets, but will almost certainly add a 240V outlet just for charging. One concern is that the charge port is on the passenger side, and I think it would be very destructive to inadvertently drive out of the garage while still connected to shore power. Does the Prime prevent this from happening?

    I'll be reading the owner's manual while I wait for the Prime to arrive. Looking forward to efficient motoring, and the excellent discussion that I enjoyed here years ago.

    Mike
     
    #1 slowmachine, Apr 14, 2021
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  2. schja01

    schja01 Senior Member

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    The prime won’t let you start it with the charge door/plug open/attached. Or perhaps it won’t let you just take it out of Park. The result is the same. The car protects itself from unintentional damage.
     
    #2 schja01, Apr 14, 2021
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  3. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    As a previous Prius owner you are going to love the Prime XLE. It has the same basic size and goodness of the old Prius's but everything has been upgraded. The Tech, heated steering wheel and seats, heads up display etc. It is quieter, drives better, gets better mileage and has more pep around town. Enjoy...
     
    #3 bluespruce, Apr 14, 2021
  4. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    If you are coming from Gen3, then PP is a big improvement. There are a lot of gadgetries, but if you just want to drive it, you can. Af for the charging, unless you really need to charge the car in 2 hours, a 240v outlet is not needed. Overnight charging on 120v is perfectly adequate for most people.
     
    #4 Salamander_King, Apr 14, 2021
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  5. slowmachine

    slowmachine Member

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    Yes! I drove about 20 miles in a Prime LE today. The ride and handling are greatly improved :)

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 slowmachine, Apr 14, 2021
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!
    pretty much everything here is prius for dummies :cool: just peruse the prime threads, ask questions, there are lots of experienced owners willing to help.
    all the best!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 14, 2021
  7. slowmachine

    slowmachine Member

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    Got it home today. Money-suck BMW is gone. Even the wife, who has zero interest in cars, is enthusiastic. Lots to learn now :) PXL_20210424_211051600.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 slowmachine, Apr 24, 2021
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  8. EV Happy

    EV Happy Member

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    I set mine up to be charged at 7 every morning. I use the 110 and that is all I need. If you want to charge it immediately and you have it programmed to charge ever nite overnite. You can start it charging immediately by plugging it in ... letting the little blue light blink once then unplug and plug right back it. It will immediately start charging.
     
    #8 EV Happy, Apr 25, 2021
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  9. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    Not sure if thats the case in your area but most places charging at night is cheaper.
     
    #9 bluespruce, Apr 26, 2021
  10. slowmachine

    slowmachine Member

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    I wish it were so. We live in a rural area with no off-peak discount. I would have to get a second service meter (with its own monthly fee) and a Level 2 charger to save 4-5 cents per kWh. I don't think I'll live long enough to break even.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 slowmachine, Apr 26, 2021
  11. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    OK that makes sense. I have had a ski place in NH for years in the past and its electrical service was limited and expensive but was still thankful I had it.
     
    #11 bluespruce, Apr 26, 2021
  12. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Uh, the owner a manual!
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #12 kenoarto, Apr 26, 2021
  13. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    Don't worry. The car tells you if still plugged in and will not move.
     
    #13 bluespruce, Apr 26, 2021
  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Wouldn't it be nice if the XLE (and my Premium) had more than one of those things? The heated steering wheel & the HUD are unfortunately reserved for the Advanced/Limited.

    Nevertheless, you're gonna love that new Prime, @slowmachine ... even with it's puzzling idiosyncrasies.
     
    #14 jerrymildred, Apr 27, 2021
  15. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Keep checking with your provider. They want you to use more electricity and there are new programs available to help fund infrastructure upgrades. We got a $500 check for each of our level-2 connections.
     
    #15 john1701a, Apr 27, 2021
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  16. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    Just check the permit requirements before applying for the rebate. We have rebates available here, too, but the rebate requires proof of a permit and the permit costs what the rebate gives you. Coincidence, I'm sure. So get to deal with permit hassle, inspectors, and paperwork for a rebate, and all for $0. Where do I sign up?
     
    #16 PiPLosAngeles, Apr 27, 2021
  17. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Um, a permit is probably required by law whether you get the rebate or not.
     
    #17 Trollbait, Apr 27, 2021
  18. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    Yep. You're even supposed to get a permit if you change the light fixture in your closet.
     
    #18 PiPLosAngeles, Apr 27, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2021
  19. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That's nasty! Our permit with inspection only took a few minutes and only cost $30.
     
    #19 john1701a, Apr 27, 2021
  20. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    It took a few minutes from the time you applied until the time they came out to inspect? Our city is running about 8 months, at least for solar installs. Same guy, but I don't know if he might have a different schedule for other electrical inspections.
     
    #20 PiPLosAngeles, Apr 27, 2021
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