Twice today I was doing 50 mph and using only battery power. Both times it was after descending a hill with a fully charged battery. approx a mile, on flat road both times. Had to make a turn so really do not know how long this would continue. It is a 3 week old 2007 Prius. Our 2005 Prius never did that to my recollection. I drive on this route all the time. Maybe there is a programming change in 2007 Computer. Certainly not complaining, just curious. Carl
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malibucarl @ Mar 15 2007, 10:21 PM) [snapback]406494[/snapback]</div> You may have thought you were on level ground but you either had a small decline left, or a strong tail wind or both. With no wind, level ground, the ICE positivly WILL kick on above 41mpg. Heck, I've been on battery power only doing over 85mph! of course that was flying down the steep side of the grape vine. B)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Mar 15 2007, 10:45 PM) [snapback]406507[/snapback]</div> The second time was along Zuma Beach in Malibu, (flat) and actually into a headwind. Probably what Ken said is what's happening- the ICE is running the display just doesn't show. It DID show 99.9 though on display. I'll try it on the other one we bought and see if it does the same. Carl
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malibucarl @ Mar 15 2007, 10:54 PM) [snapback]406511[/snapback]</div> Then try it on the same stretch of road, in the oposite direction!
I have noticed that sometimes the ICE comes on, but the energy flow display does not show orange arrows. Other times, when the battery is fully charged, and I am going under 35 mph, I find it nearly imposible to feather the gas pedal. I let off, the ICE stops, and then the slightest touch brings the ICE back on. Other times, I am able to sucessfully feather the gas pedal to run on battery only.
Malibucarl, you may be experiencing what many call "warp stealth." Actually a misnomer, but that's beside the point. With practice, you can call it up on demand on downhills 42 MPH and above as a fuel-saving technique. See this article from Hobbit for a complete description. As Ken suggests and the article describes, the ICE is always spinning at these speeds, though it's actually using no fuel.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ Mar 16 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]406802[/snapback]</div> Thanx JimboK, That appears to exactly what is happening. Technical stuff is a little deep for me. It is kinda a nice bonus. Carl
This seems like it would be almost as annoying as when the battery guage on an ipod goes randomly up and down :angry: .
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Clay Suttner @ Mar 16 2007, 09:02 PM) [snapback]407097[/snapback]</div> Actually just drove back from Santa Barbara--Orchid Show. It's not at all annoying, and has not happened again. Carl
