I've seen somewhat similar questions by searching, but I haven't found a specific answer. If this has already been asked and answered please just point me in the right direction. I know that the answer may be different for a PIP versus an standard Prius, since the EV modes are quite different. Which conditions favor use of ICE over pure EV in terms of overall MPG benefit? For example, I'm not sure what part of my commute would benefit most from EV use, and I know that there must be certain conditions which favor one or the other. Here's a description in order from my house to work (return trip is the same route in reverse): 1) 1.5 miles: steep downhill (think switchbacks/driving down a mountain) (20-30mph max) 2) 3 miles: flat/slight downhill surface street with no stops (35mph) 3) 15 miles: flat/slight uphill freeway (60mph typical) 4) 2 miles: flat surface streets, numerous stoplights, some traffic I've been charging up overnight and using EV out of the gate as far as it will take me (typically until near the end of the freeway segment), but I'm now trying to experiment with HV/EV use at different points. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to start to get the most efficient use of both EV and HV? I don't have access to charge at work, but I could try to save the EV charge for the return trip, if that would make sense? (I think it might, since my evening commute tends to have traffic everyday, while the morning does not...) Thanks in advance for any recommendations!
Simple rules I have. Always use up all your EV before you can recharge (which you are doing). Try not to let the engine run while you are stopped. (Start the engine on a long section. The engine will not turn off until it is fully warmed up) So, for you it seems you have 12 miles of slower driving, use the EV there. I would kick it over to HV once you are at 50 mph on your freeway section. If while on the freeway you have to slow down switch back to EV while you are coasting or slowing down. But, try to save the EV for the slow section. Go back to EV once you leave the freeway. Having a down hill at the start is sort of bad. If you regen too much it will have to start your motor. So, try to use EV before the hill maybe even use the AC to use more if the engine wants to turn on.
The AC doesn't use much energy. I can sit parked with the A/C on and it takes a few minutes to make a small change in SOC. So.... for that downhill you need use Neutral and the dreaded friction brakes if you don't want the ICE to start. Maybe there's another way down the hill. I have the must-use-neutral route and the no-ICE-start route unfortunately they go two different directions.
Thanks for the input. Yesterday I switched to HV mode for the freeway sections, and my EV range was just about right for the surface street sections on both ends. Average MPG for the round trip (including EV sections) was 86mpg. There's also a back way from my house that's about .7 miles shorter in distance, but requires a bit of rise in elevation before going down. I might need to try this next week.
