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Living on top of a hill

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by tckmsd, Apr 1, 2013.

  1. tckmsd

    tckmsd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2011
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    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced


    I'd like to stay in EV mode when driving my sons to school, but we live on top of a hill, and with a full charge, no matter what speed I go down that hill, the ICE always comes on. I've tried braking to limit my speed to 35 mph or 45 mph or just coasting, in which case I get up to 53 mph. It's usually about 60 degrees out and I don't use seat heaters or A/C. Is there anything I can do to stay in EV? I'm guessing the battery gets too full from the coasting and/or braking on the first half of the downhill and that's why it switches the ICE on halfway down. I sometimes wonder if I should use the timer to prevent the battery from charging up all the way...or just drive around the block a few times before going down the hill to "free up some space" in the battery for the energy I will get going down.

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Gaudete

    Gaudete Junior Member

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    Plug-in Base
     
  3. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    Others in your situation have found that by cutting off the battery recharge before it's full- then let the downhill ride fully charge en-route does the trick.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  5. Francos

    Francos Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Try to use B Gear..