> However, that design is sub-optimal for a car that you want to act like an EV. As your link shows, the Prius must have the ICE spinning at speeds greater than 42 mph. Not a problem for a hybrid, but that doesn't work for a "range-extender EV" like the Volt. Additionally, (before the current model year) Toyota's plug-in hybrids can't provide full acceleration in EV mode--they always kick in the ICE when you floor it. That's again a consequence of how the transmission is optimized for hybrid operation.
True in 2007.
But 17 years later, the Prius Prime 2024 has 100% EV mode even at highway speeds. Toyota has improved the design since that webpage was made in 2007.
Despite this change, the Prius still achieves 57 mpg, even better than ever before.
Prius Prime is a proper EV-only mode, albeit a touch underpowered but its EV mode now covers all possible driving conditions.
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I believe the modern Prius 2024 has 17,000 RPM limits now, as well as tweaked gear ratios and far larger EV and ICE engines. Despite the larger 220hp aggregate engine, the Prius remains absurdly efficient. Both in EV mode and in ICE mode.
This is why I was saying that the Volt has wasted it's opportunity. GM was ahead in many respects 10 years ago, but Toyota has caught up. The GM advantage has been squandered.
> By making compromises to the gasoline efficiency, GM was able to create a car which acts like a real EV most of the time: A 1st gen Volt will go at least 80 mph in EV mode, and won't turn on the ICE (come hell or high water) until the battery is below 5%. And, it will do that for an honest 35 miles of freeway driving.
Prius Prime added a button to enter EV-only mode in this 5th generation design starting in 2023.
It took Toyota too long to add this feature, but now that it's here the 5th generation Prius is a far better choice.
Especially because Prius still has it's trademarked 50+ MPG and 130+MPGe ratings. Top of the line efficiency.
It's somewhat frustrating to see Toyota catch up when GM was so far ahead for so long. Also because GM killed the Volt.
True in 2007.
But 17 years later, the Prius Prime 2024 has 100% EV mode even at highway speeds. Toyota has improved the design since that webpage was made in 2007.
Despite this change, the Prius still achieves 57 mpg, even better than ever before.
Prius Prime is a proper EV-only mode, albeit a touch underpowered but its EV mode now covers all possible driving conditions.
------
I believe the modern Prius 2024 has 17,000 RPM limits now, as well as tweaked gear ratios and far larger EV and ICE engines. Despite the larger 220hp aggregate engine, the Prius remains absurdly efficient. Both in EV mode and in ICE mode.
This is why I was saying that the Volt has wasted it's opportunity. GM was ahead in many respects 10 years ago, but Toyota has caught up. The GM advantage has been squandered.
> By making compromises to the gasoline efficiency, GM was able to create a car which acts like a real EV most of the time: A 1st gen Volt will go at least 80 mph in EV mode, and won't turn on the ICE (come hell or high water) until the battery is below 5%. And, it will do that for an honest 35 miles of freeway driving.
Prius Prime added a button to enter EV-only mode in this 5th generation design starting in 2023.
It took Toyota too long to add this feature, but now that it's here the 5th generation Prius is a far better choice.
Especially because Prius still has it's trademarked 50+ MPG and 130+MPGe ratings. Top of the line efficiency.
It's somewhat frustrating to see Toyota catch up when GM was so far ahead for so long. Also because GM killed the Volt.