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Why not drive on Neutral Gear?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by AllenZ, Jul 26, 2010.

  1. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    I wonder what's the difference between Stealth (no arrow on display at all) and Neutral Gear? The reason I ask is, Neutral Gear is much easier to maintain than Stealth.

    Also, when I break moderately hard, it seems like the CVT gear is put to low, so for every yard I travel, more rotation on charging motor. Since Toyota did a great job on transition between regeneration and brake pads, I can't tell when brake pads start to work. Any indications?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 AllenZ, Jul 26, 2010
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    When in neutral there is no regenerative braking, 100% friction braking. This is actually a method of cleaning the brakes if needed since they rarely get used for the majority of owners.

    Also driving in neutral is illegal in most states, provinces, and countries.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, Jul 26, 2010
  3. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    "No arrow glide" actually still uses some HV battery power to propel the car forward, I suspect "neutral glide" is, well, "pure" neutral glide. Hope this helps. :)
     
    #3 2009Prius, Jul 26, 2010
  4. blades

    blades New Member

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    If I'm not mistaken (I'm a n00b, so I very well could be mistaken), there is no charging of the batteries in neutral, as I observed the other day on a long downhill run.
     
    #4 blades, Jul 26, 2010
  5. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    That's correct. As for the hill in neutral, it is because there is no regenerative braking in neutral.
     
    #5 2k1Toaster, Jul 26, 2010
  6. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    #6 Rokeby, Jul 26, 2010
  7. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    I have driven quite a bit on long downhill rolls in neutral, there seems to be no savings in fuel consumption. The best consumption is cruise control, excluding hypermilers. The charged green battery comes in handy on the next uphill portion.
     
    #7 andyprius, Jul 29, 2010
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Shifting into neutral lets one of the motor-generators spin uncontrolled. If you do this at a high road speed there is some danger of damaging it with too many RPMs.
     
    #8 richard schumacher, Jul 31, 2010
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