Some Insider Notes on the 2017 Prius Prime - Part 2

Have been testing my new baby for few days..ev-range is rock solid 23 - 28 miles..also tested the charging mode..it is very efficient..when driving 55 mph..the battery charges to full within 30 miles..generally very happy..driving with EV definately more fun than in ICE..one annoying thing is locking the safety belt in back seat for baby seat..that is because of hard center console..my hands does not fit there However invented easy workaround - have to move the baby seat a bit after my daughter has sat and then push it back after buckled up..

 

I've seen a video where the wheel-covers / hub-caps were shown being removed (demonstrating how easy it is to do so) and then put back on. The wheels looked fine to me, too.

I'm *hoping* to have a Prime / Premium NO later than the end of September. Your EV-range seems not only good but consistent... and I like consistency (wink!). I'm curious, though: When you were in "charge mode" and driving 55-ish, did you note what the car-indicated / "actual" MPG (not MPGe) was for those miles driven?

It seems no one has posted that link yet, so here it is... just in case anyone's interested. Quite the (negative) "review" this is... based on ALL that I've seen and read here on PriusChat about the Prius Prime, the writer either a) got two REAL lemons, or b) was paid extra by somebody to be as negative and biased-sounding as possible AGAINST Toyota in general, and the Prius Prime in particular.

PS: I found QUITE the (positive) comment on that link, too... from about three months ago (as I post this) and written by Rami Nasr. I think it's worth scrolling down a ways to find and read it....

The Electrek Review: 2017 Prius Prime – This is not the EV you’re looking for | Electrek

 

I also see some our regulars in the comments. Prime on guys!

 

Hi yes I wanted to test how much gasoline does the charging consume..if you drive steady 55 -60 miles per hour..without charging it normally goes around 60 mpg and when charging around 40 mpg.

 

For my current commute situation ~ 40 miles one way, a bigger battery (50 miles range) and 32 AMP battery charger (will charge battery in one hour) will be a PERFECT Prime for me.

 

volt?

 

I don't like GM cars, only Toyota, Honda maybe Nissan.

 

i suspect we've seen the largest battery toyota plans for a phev, 25 miles really is optimal.

 

This confirms what others were reporting.
Now, let's see:
30 minutes at 55 mph is 27.5 miles to charge from zero to 80% and at 40 mpg to consume 0.69 gal.
The 80% charge is giving you extra ~20 miles EV at same 55 mph to a total of 47.5 miles using 0.69 gal or an effective 69 mpg as compared to ~60 mpg in HV without forced charge!
It seems that even at 55 mph flat road, charge mode ICE thermal efficiency is higher than HV mode thermal efficiency!

EDIT
Oops, I have read Heikki's 30 miles as 30 minutes! so calculation is:
30 miles at 40 mpg is consuming 0.75 gal to force charge to 80%.
Add the ~20 miles in EV to a total of 50 miles using 0.75 gal, or total efficiency of ~66 mpg as compared to ~60 mpg in HV.

 

So if it's on a cruising speed to drive between Charge Mode and EV Mode it's the best thing to do.

 

CleanMPG got 76.1mpg for the Prime at a steady speed of 55mph, or 0.62 gallons for 47.5 miles
Steady State Speed vs Fuel Economy results | Page 13 | CleanMPG

 

Thanks! Added to my earlier chart:


Bob Wilson

 

Yes, unfortunately he didn't do a charge mode test on the same track.
We can only refer to the set of data presented (as long as it is a complete one).