Hello! On a hot day, how long can I run the air conditioner on battery only before the engine has to come on? Assume Prius Prime (used model, say 2018) and starting off with 100% charge. Thanks!
Lots of variables not the least of which is outside temp and humidity. You’re shooting at a moving target.
The Prime's battery capacity is quoted as 8.8 kilowatt hours. The air conditioning compressor is variable power, can be anywhere from over two kilowatts when running flat out, to under a tenth of that in mild conditions. Those compressor-power figures are what I've observed in my Gen 3. I don't expect Prime's to be a whole lot different, but I haven't looked the numbers up. Of course Prime's system is a heat pump and can also be used to warm the cabin in cold weather.
Sorry I should clarify. I'm asking about a parked vehicle with the AC on. Ballpark range is fine. Thanksa
Usable capacity is actually about 6kWh. Just running the screens and gauges in the car and nothing else is at least 200W. On a mildly warm day with the AC on, the total power won't ever be below 600-800W, and if you're in the sun it will probably be more like 1.2-1.8kW. If you're somewhere unreasonably hot like Arizona it will surely be higher. So like I said, 2-6 hours.
