How many bars should be on dash battery meter? Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon)

drivetrain was great on mine. but the body wouldn't pass inspection in 1980, on a 1972 model.

 

I've been told two things.
That may or may not be true.
But
#1 being that the Battery Meter you see on your dash is a middle of the way, representation of actual charge.
That is it's never really as depleted as it is showing, nor as fully charged. The HSD system is designed to keep the Prius Battery charged in the "Middle Way". That is, if for some reason you discharge your battery down to a bar or two, that doesn't mean you are a bar or two from a totally dead battery, and vice versa, if your meter is showing a fully charged battery, it also PROBABLY doesn't mean your battery is sparking electricity like a prop from the laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein.

#2. The HSD system uses the electric motors/battery to get the wheels moving. On an regular ICE vehicle a lot of energy is used going from stationary to moving. It's the same for a Prius, you just get the benefit of that initial momentum being created by battery power and usually not fossil fuel.
My observation (which again may be right or wrong) on my old 2013 Prius, was that once warmed up, and with a decently charged battery, at a stop where my engine turned off...initial momentum 8mph or less, seemed to be created primarily by the battery. So I would get a "spike" of usage on start up...that would very quickly be reduced as the engine kicked in to take over the immediate torque demands for my driving situation. This assuming acceleration to "normal" driving speeds...and not a parking lot saunter.

I have always tended to advise newer Prius owners...and even some veterans....to worry less. We tend to say "Knowledge is Power" and want to know exactly what our Prius may be doing and why. But sometimes in the case of a Prius....Ignorance is Bliss.
Most often...the battery is charging correctly. And most often, the HSD system IS working correctly.
My feeling always was to evaluate my Prius by overall results. That is...driving dependability and MPG. As long as it was running and operating as a vehicle...and as long as I was returning Hybrid acceptable levels of fuel efficiency....that's pretty much where I left my worries about "Is this Normal?" or Is this OK?....
I did put a lot of faith in the idea that perhaps outside of suspension or brake issues, The Prius would throw a code if a real problem within HSD system was to manifest. Or I would notice a significant and undeniable loss of fuel efficiency.

But I know some owners, actually purchase Prius because of the levels of "Extra" information that can be obtained and monitored.
And I think if you want to pursue that level of understanding and monitoring? More Power To You and Your Hybrid Battery.
Just don't let information separate you from just enjoying the vehicle.