When does Charge Mode make sense?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by iskey, Apr 7, 2017.

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  1. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That was quite intentional, a design choice.

    You can clearly see actual energy flow with an aftermarket app. The use of KISS has been a practiced approach for decades now.
     
    #61 john1701a, Jul 22, 2021
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    It is NOT a perpetual motion machine. to get 10 miles of battery charge requires driving about 40 miles. You don't get anything for free.
     
    #62 ForestBeekeeper, Jul 22, 2021
  3. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That is an exaggeration. Here is an actual recharge using Charge-Mode.

     
    #63 john1701a, Jul 22, 2021
  4. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    I do not have a display like that.

    In our experience, with normal interstate driving with cruise control set at 82mph, it usually takes around 40 miles to get 10 miles of charge.
     
    #64 ForestBeekeeper, Jul 22, 2021
  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    At higher speeds, there is going to be less engine output available for charging the battery. Those speeds probably mean you are already past the engine's plateau of good efficiency, so the penalty for charging is relatively less.
     
    #65 Trollbait, Jul 22, 2021
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  6. dtsexpert

    dtsexpert Member

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    May I ask the benefit of charging mode?
    Few I can think of:
    1. Start AC before depart
    2. For later local drive in EV
    3. So addict to EV drive
    Are there any other reason????
    Efficiency wise, it costs more to burn gas to charge the battery then plug in the wall.
     
    #66 dtsexpert, Jul 22, 2021
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  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The Gen 4/Prime’s engine is 40% thermally efficient.

    But yes you will use more fuel to generate electricity to charge the battery. It charges at the DCFC rate that the Japanese Prime/PHV has (CHADeMO)

    Burn through the gas that’s going stale after it’s been sitting there for 1 year and you need at least half a tank of fresh gas for the computers to be happy.
     
    #67 Tideland Prius, Jul 22, 2021
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