When you think of a hybrid vehicle, chances are you picture a Prius. The longstanding flagship model from Toyota is recognized as the hybrid industry’s gold standard. From dependability to fuel economy, this vehicle ensures that drivers arrive safely and efficiently. But how does this hybrid actually work and how long do Prius batteries last? This article will explain everything you need to know about Prius battery charging.
At this point, there are multiple generations of Prius models. Originally, in the first and second-generation Prius, the car came standard with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a twelve-volt battery that powered the electric motor. As the Prius progressed, the machine became more sophisticated and began using a 1.3 kWh NiMH battery pack. These battery packs come standard in all models after 2012 and draw their battery charge from the recycled energy of the gas-powered engine. These modifications to the Prius made the vehicle more powerful, all while keeping the same fuel efficiency and low emission rating that the hybrid was famous for.
The Prius plug-in hybrid
In 2012, Toyota introduced the plug-in hybrid version of the Prius, which refers to the fact that the car can be plugged in to charge the battery. So, where you charge the electric car’s battery can even be in the comfort of your home. The Prius plug-in hybrid is different from the standard hybrid model, which does not offer a plug-in option. The Prius plug-in hybrid still utilizes the same hybrid technology that comes standard in other Prius models. The most significant difference between the two variations of the vehicle comes from the plug-in Prius’ ability to run completely in electric mode.
Whereas all Prius models run on electric power below speeds of 15 mph, the plug-in Prius is unique in its ability to exceed this limitation. Thanks to its dedicated 15-amp circuit, the plug-in Prius can travel up to 65mph for a range of 15 miles entirely on electric power. This feature was added to enhance the car’s performance for short distance city driving.
The plug-in Prius is especially fascinating because of its ability to be plugged into a standard 120V outlet you would find in your home. The plug-in version of the Prius only takes three hours for a fully charged battery when receiving a charge from a 120V source. Additionally, the plug-in Prius still utilizes the regenerative braking system that charges the battery of the Prius while the car is on the move. This means that for most plug-in models, the vehicle only needs to be plugged in on rare occasions.
Because the Prius Prime’s battery is only 8.8 kWh, it’s possible to use the 120v level 1 charger provided with the car for daily charging. However, a more powerful level 2 charger like the JuiceBox Pro 32 or 40, would fully recharge the vehicle quickly, and allow the owners to drive more miles on clean, less expensive electricity. Owners can also take advantage of the many smart charging features available on the JuiceBox which can make charging more convenient, and also save some money.
The standard Prius hybrid
For all other standard models of Prius, power is generated primarily by the gas-powered motor. While the Prius does have an electric motor, the car is not considered to be an “electric vehicle.” The ingenuity of the Prius comes from when and how it switches from being a gas-powered vehicle to an electrically powered vehicle.
The reason the Prius is such a popular car amongst commuters in metropolitan areas is due to the car’s ability to seamlessly switch from gas to electric. The ability of the Prius to engage the electric motor in short bursts, especially at slow speeds, does wonders for fuel economy. The car relies on the power of the gas motor for acceleration and high speeds, which is when a gas motor is at its peak efficiency.
Where a typical gas motor falls short is in slow-paced city driving, like side streets and traffic. These situations are where a Prius shines. The Prius engages the electric motor at speeds under 15mph which draws its power from the large battery pack inside the car.
How does the Prius battery get its charge?
The Prius Hybrid battery gets its charge through a normal drive cycle. The hybrid version doesn’t ever need to be plugged in to recharge the battery, because the Prius manages the battery charge itself and keeps it topped up using power from the gasoline engine and/or power recovered during braking or decelerating.
That said, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, like the new Prius Prime, also recaptures energy while its driving using its built in regenerative braking technology, but can also be plugged into a Level 1 or Level 2 charging station. Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows the electric vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed.
The real ingenuity of the Prius comes in the form of recycled power. The Prius is a prime example of regenerative power, and its patented regenerative braking system is the pinnacle of this concept.
How does regenerative braking work?
Regenerative braking occurs when the car begins to brake or decelerate. As the car decelerates, the engine is still putting out power. Simultaneously, the car shuts off the engine, saving your electric car’s battery life and gas. This process recycles energy that would otherwise just be wasted by slowing down and braking.
Regenerative braking is an integral part of the way a Prius operates. It is the regenerative braking system that made the Prius one of the top hybrids on the market for so many years. Toyota’s flagship hybrid was the first to integrate this type of power recycling system into a vehicle that enabled the engine to rely less on gasoline. Additionally, the regenerative braking system helps preserve the long term life of the car battery. The less the battery needs to be recharged via an electrical source, the longer the battery will last.