How far have you gone in EV mode at 40mph on a flat road?

I have figured out that 40 mph is the max in EV mode. On a nice flat road I can go 39-40 mph in EV until I have to stop or go up a small hill.

To date I have gone about 3/4 of a mile before having to stop.

Anyone else play games like I do?

 

The 40 mph (or so) is actually a mechanical limit due to Toyota's power split device that Nissan uses. When the engine doesn't run - 0 rpm - and the wheels are turning using the electric drive motor (MG2) at about 2400 rpm it means the generator (MG1) has to be turning at it's maximum speed - about 6,250 rpm. In order to go any faster the engine has to start so the generator speed doesn't over rev.

http://eahart.com/prius/psd/

I've got a mile run I can do on EV - it ends right in my garage.

I was reading about someone who attached extra batteries to his Prius that could do a 7 mile run - he had to cut if off at that point because of lubrication concerns. I guess the gears don't get the same lubrication in EV as they do when under engine power.

 

Very, very cool! That link explains a lot of my questions! Now I understand the magic.....

Thanks!

 

I got EV mode up to 44mph, how did that happen? SpeedO-error?