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Prius Hybrids

A: My Prius is an ‘07 Package #2 and it serves me very well. I get 42mpg in the winter, 50mpg in the summer (since the engine is not running all the time, in hot weather it’s easier to keep the gasoline engine warmed up).

I got the Package #2 because I figure I didn’t need the fancy things like on-board GPS, bluetooth or the Bose speaker system. I kind of regretted not getting the package (#3) with the bluetooth option though now that I got a cell phone that will work with it, but I’m still very happy with mine.

Before the inevitable idiot starts blabbing how the battery needs to be replaced every 2 years for thousands of dollars, here’s the real scoop: The Prius battery carries an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty. If it fails before then, Toyota will replace it for you free, so don’t let that scare you.

The only problem is that you probably won’t be able to find a Prius to buy. Right now the waiting list at dealerships is like 3-6 months depending on where you are.

Q: Have you noticed more people buying Honda Prius hybrids ever since the price of gas went up?
I’m thinking about making it into a game called I spy a Prius.
Also I see a lot of electric mopeds and scooters, wtf? lol

A: I’ve never seen a Honda Prius.

I’ve seen many Toyota Prius, though. On occasion I’ll see a Honda Insight. If I look carefully I can pick out the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Accord Hybrid from among their non-hybrid trim lines, same as for the many other hybrid models out there.

The only reason that I’m seeing more hybrids than before is that more of them are showing up in the NYC taxi fleet, since within a couple of years all of the NYC taxi fleet will have to be hybrid.

Q: Has anyone had problems with Salvaged Toyota Prius Hybrids?

A: The main issue is that a salvaged title Prius will no longer have any Toyota warranties. (any service campaigns, except for federally-mandated safety ones, may be at your expense) Depending on age/mileage of the vehicle or the price asked on the vehicle, this may not be an issue.

However, if you are technically/mechanically minded, and can get the salvaged vehicle at a low enough price, this may not bother you. I have seen a few owners go the salvaged route – usually they hang out/ask questions at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius_Technical_Stuff/ or http://www.priuschat.com/ – they may not have any problems, or only a few small repairs to make to fix it, all the way to having to frankenstein parts from several accident/salvage vehicles to make one work (chalked up to learning or a specialty business).

What is the condition of the salvaged Toyota Prius that you are looking at? (running/looks fine, running but with cosmetic damage, looks fine but not running, has some error lights, or non-functional?) Why was it salvaged? (accident (and if so, what/where is the damage? who and where repaired it?), flood (salt or fresh water?), fire, declared a lost/stolen vehicle?)

(BTW: all Toyota Prius are hybrids, so no need to repeat yourself.)

Q: How does the Prius get such good mileage compared to its fellow hybrids?
I have just started doing research on hybrid cars and the second car on the list was only 40 mpg compared to the Prius’s (average and city, not highway) 48 mpg. BTW that car is the Honda Civic hybrid.

is it the size of the car, is it built differently, etc etc…
please help…tell me all the info you know about it, and if you own one, how you like it. :o )

A: The Prius gets better gas mileage than other similar hybrids because it has a smaller gasoline engine.

For instance, the Highlander Hybrid gets only 18 city / 24 highway because it has a 3.5L gasoline engine coupled to its Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The Prius on the other hand has only a 1.5L gasoline engine coupled to its Hybrid Synergy Drive, so it gets 48 / 45.

Comparison to other types of hybrid systems (Such as Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist) is well-explained by Geog_nerd.

Personally, I prefer Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to Honda’s IMA system, because the Toyota HSD is a more reliable setup.

The Honda IMA uses a belt-driven CVT transmission, which is a more complex transmission, using pulleys and friction belts– More things to wear out. The Prius HSD uses just one planetary gearset (using metal toothed gears– No belts, no gear shifting, no clutches), which is a lot simpler, which in turn means it’s more solid and reliable.

This is the reason why the NYC Taxi Fleet uses Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles (Highlander Hybrids) and Ford’s similar Power Split Device vehicles (Ford Escape Hybrid) rather than Honda IMA hybrids– The HiHys and FEHs have taken daily abuse heaped on them by cabbies but can still run 200,000 miles with no problems. I doubt you can do that with Chris N’s turdy Honda IMA hybrids, who obviously has absolutely no clue how the various hybrid systems work.

EDITED TO ADD:

Damp_55: The Prius has a 1.5L engine, not a 1.0L.

top gun: Toyota isn’t the only car maker offering a full hybrid. Ford also offers the Ford Escape Hybrid, which uses a full-hybrid Power Split Device drive system very similar to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. Nissan also offers the Altima Hybrid, which also uses the Toyota HSD.

Q: Why do hybrids such as the Toyota Prius get better gas mileage in the city than on the highway?
It seems weird to me. If you can let me know why I’d appreciate it.

A: 1) Stop and go traffic allows the hybrid system to use only batteries, which is more efficient than the gas engine. Remember, electrical motor gives you full torque, even at ZERO RPM.

2) In normal cars stopping is done via brakes, which converts movement to heat only. In hybrid cars with regenerative braking, brakes convert movement back into electricity to be reused later. And there’s a LOT of stop and go in the city.

3) On the freeway, you need a ever increasing amount of power to accelerate you to cruising speed, and then a fixed amount to stay cruising. Most of the power at highway cruising goes to counter wind resistance, and no amount of power design will make that more efficient. Normal engines can be designed to shut down some of the cylinders to save fuel at cruising speeds. Indeed, some Cadillacs and Lincolns already have this feature. But fuel savings is far less than what can be recycled in the city with a hybrid car.

Q: Toyota Prius hybrids?
I am just starting the process of looking into purchasing a hybrid and was wondering how the Prius compare in bad weather conditions – rain and snow as well as ice-covered roads. Thanks so much!

A: The stock tires (Goodyear Integrity on the Canadian and base US NHW20 Prius) are often a pain for owners, as in slippery weather with a little wear on the tires they’ll slip and cause the agressive traction control to kick in. Changing to a better set of “all-season” M+S tires or a seasonal set of winter/snow/traction tires is recommended.

Otherwise, the Prius is just another FWD vehicle. Drive appropriate for the weather conditions and your skill level, and you’re fine.

Like with all cars, the fuel economy will suffer in the winter. Sloppy roads, winter fuel blends, and particularly the heater use in northern climates will sap your MPG. Because the Prius tells you your fuel economy as you drive, it is more noticable. Also, the gasoline engine in the Prius may run more often than expected (such as when stopped at a stop light) just to keep itself (for emissions reasons) and the passenger compartment warm.

Q: What cars are hybrids? The Toyota Prius is a hybrid but that’s all I know. Are there others?
88 in 2010 Chris- THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

A: It is not really enough to have a list of hybrids. This assumes that all hybrids are the same thing which is far from reality. When we “only” know the name “hybrid” and “Toyota Prius” it we might need to ask a few more questions.

“Hybrid” is not a description of a car or a fuel but a drivetrain. The Prius might be referred to as a gas/electric hybrid. But these fuels are only a convient way to describe the type of engine. It would be possible to put an electric motor into a big truck and then have a diesel/electric hybrid. If you were to put a compressed air engine into a vehicle you might have a gas/compressed air hybrid. A hybrid does not necessarily use two fuel sources. All the electricity for the Prius is generated from the gasoline through the power of the engine. A “plug in hybrid” would have 2 fuel sources for at least part of its journey: (Grid generated electricity and the gasoline)

The first major division is between parallel hybrids and series hybrids. Parallel hybrids are represented very well by the popular Toyota Prius which holds about 80% of the hybrid market. In this configuration a petrol engine and an electric motor both drive the wheels through the transmission and drivetrain. The two engines work in parallel. In this configuration the very efficient electric motor (over 90%) may be used to partially take over the most inefficient aspects of the relatively inefficient gasoline engine (about 15%.) Some parallel hybrids will get up to twice the fuel mileage of a similar gasoline vehicle.

Then there are the “series hybrids.” These are represented by the proposed “Volt” In a series hybrid the gas engine only produces electricity by driving a generator. There is no mechanical connection to the drivetrain. In a series hybrid the power of the gasoline engine is not as efficiently used as with a direct connection to the wheels but the motor is used most efficiently as it is optimized to act primarily as a range extender for the electric drivetrain. The power of the very efficient electric motor needs only a simple transmission or none at all.

All the electricity for the Volt could be generated from the engine (using gasoline) but you cold also plug it in and use that source of energy first. Because ultimately the electric aspects are what drive the car it is easier to simply add more batteries and drive the car further on electric power from a plug than with a parallel hybrid. The series hybrid configuration has potential for the highest mileage with the most range of any hybrid. A series hybrid may get up to 5 times the mileage of a similar gasoline powered car.

These two categories are sometimes sub divided. A mild hybrid (or mild parallel hybrid) is one that would have a smaller and less powerful electric motor system. Mileage gains would be correspondingly smaller. Some “mild” hybrids are almost a fools hybrid as the electric motor does next to nothing. They (and for that matter any parallel hybrid) may not be worth the additional expense depending upon your driving habits.

A mild series hybrid would have less of a range due to a smaller engine or a smaller gas tank. Here is a relative efficiency chart of these types of hybrids: http://serieshybrid.com/FreedomFormula/images/Drivetrain_Comparison.pdf

For a list of hybrids and references to pages of their specifications see my answer at: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100304052536AAMz5Az&r=w#OMxkB1PfWUqLu47tW6Qs

Q: How does the Toyota. Prius compare to the Nissan Altima (both hybrids) in MPG, safety and value?
I’m not ‘fixed’ on a hybrid but need good MPG and safety features… any other suggestions for a new (or slightly used) car that would be a good long term value?

A: Don’t know much about the Nissan Altima, but the Toyota Prius has some amazing safety features for a car in it’s price range:

VCS-vehicle stability control. This prevents doughnuts in slippery conditions by adjusting both the braking and steering. On ice days (days where everything is covered by a layer of ice–no snow) where I live, it really allows the Prius to travel in safety if you’re going anything like a reasonable speed for conditions.

Radar cruise control–keeps the distance between you and the vehicle ahead large enough so that you won’t tailgate (yes, this means it will slow down if necessary).

Radar pre-collision–applies the brakes when a crash is immanent. Goes a long way toward reducing injury.

Lane keeper–helps keep you in your lane. It also requires you to signal before a lane change (or you will fight the steering wheel).

The last three are new options for 2010, VSC is standard from 2008 onwards and optional on earlier models from 2004.

Features that are in many cars:

Side airbags, side curtain air bags (front and rear), multi-level airbags, ABS, traction control, etc.

While not exactly a safety feature, the Prius can’t be jumped started because there is no starter motor, so it’s not a very attractive target for thieves.

My 2004 Prius has a lifetime average of 56 mpg over 104,000 miles (as taken from the logbook I keep). The highest month’s average has been 69 mpg so far. I also have a 2001 that my wife drives that doesn’t have quite as many miles on it.

Both cars have been trouble-free and maintenance has been minimal (just oil changes and such)–particularly when compared to the VW TDI (turbo diesel) that the 2004 Prius replaced. The TDI blew the engine at 80,000 miles and never had a service below $1000 (Though $2000 was the more typical service price–there was always something wrong. Even a Ford would have been better). And yes, even though it was a modern supposedly low polluting diesel, it still stank after a few thousand miles.

I’ve had Nissan’s and they’ve always been good cars (as long as you remember to replace the water pump before 50,000 miles–otherwise you’re buying an engine) but lately they have just had ho-hum engineering and styling.

Q: Which is more economical per mile long term? The prius hybrid or the yaris?
The prius is about $10,000 more, and is better on gas milage. Is it really worth it as an investment to spend more and buy the prius, or go with a less expensive car and buy the yaris.

Environmentally, I know the hybrid is better. I’m trying to figure out which one is less expensive to operate over a long term period.

A: According to the EPA. the Prius gets 46 mpg $33.20 for the average fill up and an annual fuel cost of $1009

The Yaris gets 31 mpg and costs $30.97 to fill up for an annual fuel cost of $1502

But when you consider the Prius costs over $6000 more than the Yaris the actual cost to own the cars is quit different. The Yaris will cost you $30214 to own for 5 years. The Prius will cost you $34515 to own for 5 years.

The facts are the Toyota Prius is one of the worst hybrids to won when it comes to recouping the money it costs. The Prius averages something like 17 years to break even.

Q: How much lead is in a Toyota Prius Hybrid?
I’m doing some research on Hybrids, and I heard/read somewhere that there is lead in the hybrids, not sure if that means just in the battery or in other areas. I was wondering if anyone knew how much lead was in the hybrids, and if that poses a significant issue?

A: No more than any conventional car. The large hybrid battery is Nickel Metal Hydride, the same as in many mobile phones and laptop computers — that’s not lead. The regular starter battery IS made with lead, just as it is in every other car (and the Prius starter battery is smaller than the one found in most other cars, since it doesn’t start the engine itself; it relies on the hybrid battery for that task). You won’t find much lead anywhere else, as there’s not much justification in using anything that heavy in any car.

You may have “heard/read” otherwise, but that was probably from misinformed people that assumed the hybrid battery was lead/acid. It isn’t, and it never has been. (It also isn’t lithium-ion — at least not yet — which is another frequent misconception.)

Edit: See? Confirmation of what I mentioned earlier — a frequent misconception that the hybrid battery is lithium-ion. Not yet, and not in the 2010 model either, contrary to the other answer you’ve received. (2nd edit: You’ve received another answer that mentions the non-existent lithium-ion batteries!) [3rd edit: Where do these answers come from? Nickel more hazardous to the environment than lead? Uh...why does the US make 5ยข coins out of an alloy containing 25% nickel? Why do many kitchens have stainless-steel sinks and appliances, which is another nickel-based alloy?]

Q: How many batteries are used in the Toyota Prius Hybrid? What is the battery voltage and current at start up?
Are the Prius batteries made with conventional lead plates and sulfuric acid with multiple cells rated at about 2 volts per cell?

A: Which model Prius? NHW10, NHW11, or NHW20?

Which battery? The 12v accessory battery is a standard conventional lead-acid battery, but it is an AGM about the size of a motorcycle battery. It is only used to power the computers and run the accessories (radio, clock, fans, etc.). Once the computers are on, they flip a relay which connects up the hybrid traction battery. The hybrid traction battery is what starts the gasoline engine through one of the electric motor-generators, and also provides power for electric propulsion.

The hybrid traction battery is NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), NOT lead-acid. They are built by Panasonic EV Energy Corp. in Japan: http://www.peve.jp/e/shouhin.html

The differences in the battery pack designs and voltages are highlighted on this page:
http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-history.htm#Generations
The author calls the NHW10 model the “Original,” the NHW11 model the Classic, and the current NHW20 model the “Iconic.”

You may want to read more through the Toyota training document “Hybrid03 High-Voltage battery.pdf” found at http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop15.html#Hybrid

For the NHW11 and NHW20 Prius (the models sold internationally), the hybrid battery pack is comprised of many prismatic modules (28 or more). Each prismatic module is made up of six 1.2V individual NiMH cells, so each module is 7.2V.

Toyota is experimenting with lithium-ion LiO packs for future Prius releases, but none are commercially on the market yet…

Q: How much money in gas could I save by getting a Toyota Prius hybrid?
I am trying to figure out if I should get a Toyota Yaris sedan or spend the extra $10,000 and get a Prius. Will the prius pay off in the long run?
This would be a second car. We are going to get the prius or the yaris.

A: It takes 10 years for a Prius to break even. Hybrids arent the best technology for better fuel economy anyway. A clean diesel can get 60 mpg easy, while costing thousands less than a hybrid system. Diesels are most common in European cars, and manufacturers like Volkswagen sell them in the US as options. The Prius is a much better car than the Yaris, although I would not suggest either mainly because of Toyotas falling quality. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/toyota_quality.html
The Yaris was called a “disappointment” by ConsumerReports, which has long been criticised for being biased towards imports. The Yaris is the ultimate penalty box. A good medium between the two cars is the upcoming Saturn Astra. It has been rumored to have a hybrid option, and if it does will be much more affordable than a Prius. The upcoming Saturn Astra is light years ahead of the Yaris. It is a rebadged Opel Astra, one of the most popular cars in Europe. Nothing will be changed from the original Opel in its transition to a Saturn. It will be made in Belgium and imported into the US. Here are some reviews of the Astra.
http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12137/2008-saturn-astra.html
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/12767/upfront-news-2008-saturn-astra.html
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/candd-crowns-saturn-astra-safest-car-under-25k/
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/12859/2008-saturn-astra.html
The Astra has already proven to be a great car, since it has been on sale in Europe since 2004. The Astra is more refined than the Yaris, not even going into its driving dynamics. Compare these pictures:
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/MediaNav/year=2008/make=Saturn/model=Astra/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=20142846#
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/MediaNav/styleId=100919847/firstNav=Gallery#
The gas mileage should be about the same on the Yaris and Astra, since every other car currently in that segment is within 2 mpg. Here is a side to side comparison of the Yaris VS the base Astra. Just look at the features, the Astra is hands down a better package, not including the longer warranty and better saftey.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?styleid=100919847&styleid=100913114&maxvehicles=5&refid=&op=3&tab=pricing
GM is now on top of JD Powers reliability/quality ratings with Buick. The tests were on cars from 2004 to see how they held up. This does have some faults since Saturn has completley overhauled their lineup, and currently the oldest car in their lineup is the 2006 Sky.

Q: How does Toyota prius Hybrid engine with gas and battery work?
2007 Toyota Prius reliable and maintence records indicate.

A: The electrical part works to get the car going and once going if additional power is needed or the battery’s need charging the motor automatically starts. All is controlled by an integral computer powder management software.

Q: I have been trying to save up for early 1998 Toyota Prius Hybrid?
I have been wanting to buy an early 1998 Toyota Prius Hybrid…
Especially as I want to use it to see Australia so I want a fuel efficent car.
I have been told the earlier ones will give me grief in the future maybe with the batteries.
I also think maybe I could add more batteries and maybe even try to convert it to run off mains grid electricity.
I know it is one of first models but it is all i can afford and I have seen them going for 9500 AU now so if it treated me well it would be worth it, but I am worried it may end up being more of a lemon than other cars.
Please note I cant afford a better hybrid at the moment….
(I am still in uni)
So my main question really is should I just go with a very fuel efficent car (have my eye on a duel fuel Subura brumby ute that I have read are nearly comparable to Hybrids and are excellent for Aussie conditions), a diesel sedan (could make my own biodiesel) or a very early hybrid (hybrids are just plain awesome)>?
Also I have found it hard to find diesel sedans except new ones except a few mercedes and occasional volkswagon beetle.
yes the brumby also has problems i like ute option but they can cost up to 6 g anyway for a good dual fuel one and are hard to find.

A: Don’t feel you have to get a hybrid to be responsible- the battery issues were mostly hype and most automotive sources suggest they will last the life of the car… but still those batteries have to be produced and disposed of.

If you simply buy a small car (or a scooter/small motorcycle) and keep it in good condition, you will be doing far more than most people.

Q: How far can a Honda Civic and a Prius go on Electric mode?
How many miles can a Honda Civic and a Prius go when the battery is fully charged. (civic hybrid and prius hybrid car)

A: Hi,

stay with me and I’ll give you the full answer.

Actually, both vehicles are “full hybrids” meaning they can run under electric-only mode for short distances at low speeds.

The Civic was just upgraded to a full hybrid in 2006, but the Prius has always been a full hybrid.

The Prius system will take you further, up to 25 miles in stop and go traffic, with the regenerative braking system. And the Prius will go faster, up to 25 mph, with careful acceleration.

The Civic system is not able to do either of those marks. It uses Honda’s hybrid system called the “Integrated Motor Assist” and it’s mostly designed to boost the gas engine, not run on electric mode for any length of time.

Essentially, you have two different vehicles. The Prius is a mid-sized sedan that is more equal to a Camry or Accord for features, technology, price, and comfort. The Civic is a compact and is on the same level as a Corolla for features, tech (excluding the IMA), price and comfort.

Not to say either is better than the other for what they do. They are just different, just as the Civic is to the Accord or the Corolla is to the Prius.

One last note, Prius sold in Europe and Asia come with an “EV” mode button. Pressing that button disables the gas engine for city driving. That is where the 25 mph/25 miles distance come into play.

We don’t have that ability here in the US because our driving conditions are too different from theirs to justify having it here. Basically, we drive longer distances in our urban environments and Americans drive faster over those long distances and would overcome the EV mode too easily. (We also don’t get the auto parking option that the Prius’ over there have (similar system on Lexus GS here in the US) because thier parking is so much tighter there on average.)

The Civic isn’t available with an EV mode at all, here or there.

BTW, to answer the previous post…

Computer system updates / changes / etc. for the Prius are covered by Toyota during the 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty period. And a safe bet would be that Toyota would update your Prius any time an update would be needed after that.

Every manufacturer has computer upgrades, even Volkswagen.

And as far as less parts go, Prius have no throttle cables (electronic acceleration), no steering pumps or steering belts (electronic steering), no starters, no alternators, no distributors, each cylinder is individually controlled with it’s own fuel injector, a sealed CVT so no regular transmission, and with the regenerative barking system, you should never have to replace the brake pads because the generator does almost all of your braking.

Anyway, if you’d like any more details, read my other posts or contact me.

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