Toyota plugin Hybrids. Are they any good? Battery and charging review

Are Toyota plugin hybrids good? How do they work? In part two we'll check out the battery and charging.
A Toyota master diagnostic technician explains How Toyota plugin hybrids work. In this video we'll focus on the High voltage battery and Charging of the Prius Prime in a simple easy to follow format.
Welcome to part 2 of my series on Toyota Plugin Hybrids! In this video we'll follow the progression of the standard 4th generation 2016-2021 Toyota Prius into the Toyota Prius Prime Plug in Hybrid.
I'll cover what had to change in order to accommodate the huge battery that sits in the back of the Prius Prime and robs all the storage space in the back. Starting with the carbon fiber hatch. The lack of the 5th seat in 2017-2019 models. Then the odd shape of the rear glass.
Also I will cover a frequently asked question about charging and which charge you should get. The simple answer is NONE! On Toyota plug in Hybrids you are limited by the on board charger. This is not a Tesla, You can either charge them with 120V or 240V on models capable. No DC Fast charge is possible or allowed.
On the battery we'll cover the basic construction in simple terms, Also we'll talk about the cooling and heating of the battery. I'll take you on a tour of the battery components as well.
I'll also show you the on board charger and some additional information on charging like the importance of charging schedules and information on the charging cable like what is the box that's in the charging cable and the life span of the charging cable.
In this video we're mostly covering information on the Prius Prime. In the following video in this series We'll cover the world's second most complicated car HVAC system!
If you are new the channel, Welcome first! Please find the series on how hybrids work as it will help you navigate this one easier Here:
• How do hybrids work
Find the link for the hybrid battery cleaning for the Prius Prime here:
• How To replace HV Batt...
Find part one of this series covering the changes from a hybrid to a plug in hybrid focusing on the transmission planetary gear set here:
• How do Toyota Plugin H...
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#thecarcarenut #toyotapluginhybrid #toyotapriusprime #toyotarav4prime #rav4prime #priusprime
0:00 Intro
0:57 Battery Overview
4:32 Battery Tour
11:35 Charging Information
14:02 Charger Tour

[@AdobeWanKenobi]

I'm a Prius Prime owner and your Toyota content is second to none!

[@ianpatgriffin]

WOOHOO! 2018 PRIME owner here. I love these cars!

[@Puggy42069]

I have the 2014 Prius plug-in and the only issue I have with it is the interior plastic is VERY cheap and pathetic. Side door plastic is already faded.

[@rinchenbhum2538]

@@Puggy42069 nbkbon nvkb kn kk. N k k

[@rinchenbhum2538]

@@Puggy42069 no no no B k B k in

[@JoseFernandez-wu8pj]

Alex Bruecken Any issues on your Prius Prime with its batteries?

[@jmacks123]

You are “ THE PROFESSOR “ when it comes to Toyota products!!!! Thanks for explaining it to us as simple as possible so that we can understand !!!

[@Samawada1051]

AMD is one of those guys you can sit and listen for hours without falling asleep. You can be a great professor lecture at a university.

[@robertmorcate846]

I find your instructions and explanation of all this hybrid systems very informative. I think you’re doing a great job informing the public how complicated these systems are in the Toyota Prius prime. I almost purchase used 2017 but I changed my mind and I’m glad I did that after watching your video so keep up the good work!!!

[@frankbiz]

You explain things better than any college professor, just amazing! 👍🏻

[@gilbrook]

Wow, staggering complexity. I was unaware. Well presented. Outstanding automotive educator. ThankU.

[@kenjboyd6233]

Much thanks for these great videos! I don't think I would ever get some things otherwise without your expertise.

[@dgurevich1]

That's a very good review and a very important video. While you and your audience are mostly Toyota drivers, and I am, as you recall, a Lexus hybrid owner, I recently replaced my parent's car with an EV. It is a very short step from PHEV to EV. Thanks to you, I made the initial transition to a Hybrid, and thanks to you I was able to have enough confidence and knowledge to plunge head first into full EV. The temperature management cannot be understated on these cars. It is absolutely crucial to the battery longevity. My Lexus has an air cooled Ni-Mh battery with perfectly clean vents, likely for the entirety of its 12 year life. The electric car has a liquid cooled 44.5 kw/h li-ion battery pack. I recently drove it in 40 degree C heat (104F) with no AC for the cabin and I could clearly hear it working to cool the battery. The EV I bought is a Chinese MG ZS EV, sadly not for sale in the US. Due to import charges of my country it wasn't cheap, so don't feel bad. Teslas are leagues better, I just couldn't get one at a sane price.

[@vyzamora]

Thank you for all of your explanations. It helps in making decisions of what to buy.

[@alluraromel392]

Thank you for these videos! I am anxiously waiting for my 2021 RAV4 Prime to arrive. My parents are traveling from FL to MN to drive it back for me since I can’t get away from work to get it. They are hard to get down here, my local dealer has only received one & it was sold long before it was delivered. I have the ability to recharge my RAV4 at work so I will be able to drive on full electric during the week. So it’s good to know I need to pay attention to making sure my gas engine runs to prevent long term damage. It’s a great excuse to go on a dive trip…I need to run my gas engine. Keep these videos coming, we are a Toyota Prime family now as my parents have a 2018 Prius Prime.

[@jasonsolomon9059]

Very Valuable information. Picking up my 2021 Prime tomorrow. Really excited. I’ll be spending a lot more time watching your videos just to soak in the information. Keep it coming.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Congratulations!

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@TheCarCareNut prius prime less emissions than most effceint tesla currently, unless both cars in the comparison test are running on cleanly made energy which is rare. batteries cant be recyled multiple times bc after each time preformance of newly recyled battery and motor materials is lowered massivly, it end up being used in building or grid application instead of cars, and even then it quickly becomes too under preforming to be used. e fuels and hydrogen combustion etc seems to be the only mainstream true sustainable solution, and prius prime would adapt to those. nissan e power has interesting way of combustion fueling electric power output, so not mechanical connection from combustion engine to wheels. prius prime could at least theoretically be lot betterbut yo tub wont let me talk too much in here , it deletes lot fo what i say in here

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Great detailed info, keep up the good work!

[@pudgespracticalposts342]

Love the video. Love my Prime, thank you for helping me understand it more!

[@johncipolletti5611]

Your videos on the Prius are fantastic! However, I wanted a Prime but ended up with the Limited that uses gas. I'll tell you, your videos are eye openers. I didn't realize the weight factor in the Prime. My hybrid Limited has EVERYTHING I would really want. It has more room inside then my other cars (Cadilacs, Mazdas). Believe it or not, it is fast off a light. Finally, I don't get "EV Anxiety" worrying about a charger. Oh, my front screen is also huge (Tesla size) and makes using the map a cinch.

[@skepticalmechanic]

2022 Prius Prime owner here... My car is a fantastic MPG BEAST! The Seats are so comfortable and the cabin feels roomy compared to the Kona Electric that I just sold... No more worrying about where to charge up!

[@AveiroDan]

Excellent video. Lots of great and useful information.

[@brucewayne2773]

So, that's why my 2021 Prime lost 6 inches of storage height as compared to the Prius. My biggest complaint, horrible rear cargo storage as compared to the Prius. Thank you for another great informative video Toyota Wizard.

[@lsantana954]

i just purchased a Lexus NX450H for my wife and this video is very informative.

[@RichardComeauLG]

You are the best! Thanks! You help me make sure my car stays the beautiful slick workhorse it is!

[@p6102zrfxe]

Thank you AMD for another wonderful video. Keep great work. Looking forward for next video.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you Marjan!

[@DarshanaHashendra]

Your explanation skill is marvellous

[@13699111]

Thank you for your interesting information about vehicles .

[@chuckhursch5374]

In some ways the Prius prime reminds me of the EV conversions we did back in the 1990s. In my particular case , I converted a VW Rabbit diesel with the ElectroAutomotive VoltsRabbit kit. Back in those days, we didn’t have access to lithium technology, so we used lead acid. In my car, that meant 500 lbs in the rear, 500 lbs in the front. The electric motor was in line with the transaxle underneath the front battery pack. My hatch cargo floor was actually lower than in the Prime. But the Prime is a much more technologically-advanced car than the VoltsRabbit. I still have that VoltsRabbit by the way. I have some pretty significant concerns about our Prime’s battery pack being in the Sacramento summer heat day after day. I touch the top of the battery pack when the car is sitting, and it’s hot, even underneath the two covers. It’s air cooled, so it really relies on the cabin temperature. The Nissan Leaf battery pack is air cooled, and they suffered severe degradation in the summer heat. So my plan is to typically charge at the end of the night so the battery pack is as cool as possible, then charge for three to four hours before the sun comes over the house in the morning and heats the car up very much. Our 2018 Prime we purchased only a few weeks ago, has only 11K miles on, and replaces our 2013 Prius II, which had 250K miles on it - unfortunately a coolant leak into #2 cylinder occurred, and that was the end of that 😥.

[@toninocars]

Wonderful presentation, thanks a lot. I was considering a prime for my next motorway cruiser however after watching your video I think that the most suitable will be just a regular Prius or Corolla. No need that much weight and complications when I will be burning mostly petrol ⛽️👍🚗

[@ronkemperful]

Thanks for your thorough explanation in this video. I had a second generation 2009 Prius that I was driving on a hot day, high up in the Rockies (Colorado). I was driving with the AC on recirculate for I was following a smelly box truck. After going down a steep mountain grade into a tourist town, I stopped and had lunch for 1 1/2 hours - the hybrid battery indicator was fully charged, green. When I turned the car back on, I had to floor the pedal to go into reverse for I had no power from the battery, and oddly no warning light. The car then felt very under powered with no torque pulling away. On the display the hybrid battery stayed disconnected from charging, for six miles and sensing maybe the battery might have overheated, I drove with only a fresh air intake and no AC. The display then finally indicated normal function after 6 miles of driving. I repeated this issue in climbing the 14,000 foot Pike's Peak, where the car sent no regenerative energy to the battery on the way back down. So in going along this long ramble, the lesson I learned is not to use air recirculate in hot weather, especially if the battery is charging / discharging a lot.

[@nahteo]

The car uses the cabin air to cool the battery. The AC helps cool the cabin, and therefore helps cool the hybrid battery

[@volvo09]

Love your content!

[@edruttledge342]

A lot of good information here. Many thanx!

[@phamster18]

great work.. and knowledge of ths system... wonderful edit tooo..

[@joseleysa5137]

Thank you for the update....

[@boilednuts]

Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop about the evolution of hybrid technology within the Toyota/Lexus lines. The future is definitely headed towards electrification which probably is the end goal mandated by govt regs and public demand. Your videos help me to understand the progression, limitations, engineering, and possible issues of the current models. In the future, it will be interesting how we work around and improve our current tech. Do you remember slot cars? LOL, to think that this will have more in common in our future vehicles than gasoline engines. 😂

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you for watching my brother! The future of cars is a very interesting one. We’ll see if electric cars actually can overcome the beloved gasoline engine for real one day.

[@boilednuts]

@@TheCarCareNut Regardless of which ends on top, the competition between electricity, gasoline, and hydrogen will I believe give us all a better product in the end 👍. Beyond that, hehe...we may go nuclear one day. Imagine driving hundreds of thousands of miles on a single charge 😉

[@johnwick860]

another informative video brother

[@udohequere6042]

Keep up the good work buddy

[@pbxtech00]

Very informative, thank you. Good to know that CCID is only rated to 30,000 cycles. I've wired a separate 240v from the panel for charging the PRIME. BTW, the original CCID does work with 240v even though the sticker says 120v only. Li-Ion battery is still not the answer to full electrification. During winter, after charging, the miles indicated on the dashboard says 24miles but actual miles driven is less and depends how you accelerate- gentle acceleration will yield close to 22-23. Pedal to the metal will be around 16-17 or even less when in power mode. When it's warm like around 65-74F, full-charge is 33.5-35.4 miles and in my experimentation I've driven close to almost 34 miles- the condition to achieve this is in ECO mode, constantly moving(not a stop and go), and low speeds (mid to upper 20s and 35-39mph). Power-mode scares the misses. Li-Ion makes the trunk very cramp and can't put much luggage there. On long trips when the battery if fully depleted, I switch to charge-mode to extend the gas and drive in EV again. Highway speed is ideal. BTW, the 80 percent level is always calculated on the last charging cycle and in the winter this is low. The 12 gallon gas tank is approx. 410 miles in range and when combined with charge-mode, this is easily increased. I saw a youtube video and they indicated for every 1.5 miles driven at highway speed you get back 1 mile of charge. Toyota should put a higher wattage charger in all the PRIME.

[@conrantanchau53]

Thank You very much for a fine vdo !

[@ericvickery6357]

Love ALL the videos. To the point and simple. Think you could do some tundra videos. Just got a 18 and would love to learn more from you

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi Eric! Thank you for watching my channel! I have a video for the common problems with the current generation tundra did you see that one?

[@ericvickery6357]

@@TheCarCareNut hehe yea I binge watched half of your videos a few weeks ago when I found your channel. good stuff, thanks, and keep up the awesome videos

[@bkanegson]

Look forward to an update for the 5th gen Prius Prime, which is a very interesting upcoming release.

[@alexsanderdasilva9787]

Good job 👍 all you do!

[@kabish0603]

Wife just bought a 2019 Prime Advanced two days ago. So far she's really likes it and getting 55ish MPG going to and from work which is about 20 miles both ways with a 2 mile 6% grade. I think its a pretty nice car thus far, but I'll stick with my MACH-E 🙂

[@mayaa.6344]

Just found your channel & so glad I did! I have a 2017 PriusPrime, but I do not have any outdoor outlets, can I use an extension cord to charge the Prius ? I’ve read mixed reviews online.

[@louisdemarco7417]

Looking at buying one of these very soon

[@user-mz4xn5xq4q]

Excellent video...Thanks for your articulate explanations. I'm a long time Prius owner but just bought 2020 Prius Prime XLE...am I shortening the life of my battery if I use the schedule charger at night but plug it in randomly during the day?

[@nazarenomisuri5771]

Hello everyone, I'm writing from Italy and I'm so excited about thi Channel. Thanks tò AMD for all the Infos. I have a questioni on Prius Prime: how they fix the 5th Seat After 2020? Thanks fo you answer!

[@hmoobs1]

I love your videos

[@22morse77]

Thank You AMD. Please advise if you have a similar CCN video focusing on charger adapters. That is to say the different chargers one may encounter on a road trip and how to future proof that experience. Perhaps a introduction / explanation for plug, adapter and charging stations one might encounter on a road trip. The onboard charger explanation was appreciated. I think, in my case, my RAV4 Prime XSE will have included ONE plug for 120V (household wall socket). Possibly consider discussing what we would need to charge our battery should we be visiting a friend with a Tesla home wall charger - is it possible to use an adapter to accomplish a charge? I read that it is not possible to adapt to a Tesla Supercharger. A Tesla Home Wall charger - I’m not certain though perhaps with the correct adapter. Thank you

[@iqdevelopmet7809]

V Good video thank u

[@maxracegarage125]

You are total Pro Toyota mekanic !!! Gnow all this Prius.

[@MrWawer]

Great video! FYI Prius Prime in Japan has a DC charging and you can charge the battery in 10 minutes up to 80%. Wish we could have it in North America.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!!!

[@richthetrashpicker-upper5244]

I fix everything with zip ties and duct tape thanks for your Channel best one out there

[@zaidalhabshi]

Love ur explanation Sir. Going to own a prime soon and I feel happy that I made a good decision especially after seeing your videos.. I have two questions please. 1: Do I need to service the cooling fans like the 2015 pruis plug in or the filters are enough? 2: How do I give permission to the car to run the AC to cool the battery when needed? Thank you very much for your reply in advance

[@user-jz8oz1pm5s]

Brother, first thanks a lot for the wonderful content. I have a question regarding a 2015 prius plug in hybrid that I own. Can I swap it's battery pack with prius prime battery pack?

[@osamajassim5204]

Thank you very much.

[@andersonkong1981]

Thanks for the very informative session. A quick question - does it mean that the charger under the back seat would not be in use when the car is driving? It sounds scary if the high voltage charge is in use when someone is sitting on it?

[@NatureLover-ey5ub]

Thanks for video. I am impatiently waiting for more Prime RAV4 videos. I'm a little bit disappointed with departure mode charging. If I set departure time to 6 AM, it finishes charging 40-90 minutes before set departure time. I would expect it to see more accurate timing.

[@robertkassel9419]

I agree. At first I thought that it had to "learn" how long it would take to charge, but after over 2 months, it still finishes charging well before my departure time.

[@e.l.9589]

Is it so that the batteries have time to cool off, for better efficiency? Only guessing, I only drive a 2500 6.4L gas and 5500 diesel.

[@michaelshiloluzano6076]

I've been following your page as I'm a big Toyota fan because of their reliability. I currently own 2 4runners which I have maintained properly thanks to your channel. Now, I'm considering getting the Rav4 Prime as this will be a perfect vehicle for my new job which will require me to drive out to the country side sometimes needing to drive to a deeper water due to floods. I'm just concern about the placement of the Li Ion batteries for the Rav4 as it is placed undercarriage that it might cause some issues with my driving condition. Is the battery compartment water sealed? Would you still recommend RAV4 Prime for my situation?

[@emdlc311]

Great video! I have a 2013 Prius Plug-in. Any pertinent differences? I've had no problems thus far after 10 years and 120k miles besides the upper glove box coming undone which was easy to fix. Are there any options of expanded batteries for theses or if there are issues? Eventually, if I have to replace it, will it be with the same 10-year old battery tech?

[@MrPeteJMc]

Love to own a RAV4 PHEV prime. Unfortunately the price in the UK is way to high. It works out at over $63k or from £47k. Plus there are no subsidies for electric vehicles over £40k. Have a RAV4 hybrid and love it.

[@marwinvictolero9838]

toyota should compensate you now.nice video

[@roadboat9216]

THANKS again. Great video. So how is the performance of the prime vs regular Prius? Have they done a sufficient job in compensating for the weight so far back? Is there a significant difference on the track?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Driving them they feel similar with the prime having a typical electric car take off “jolt” but quickly fades out around 30 mph and it’s similar otherwise.

[@KaluNatt]

Thanks.

[@2927usmc]

FYI, based on a couple sources, the HV battery weighs 265 lbs.

[@egn83b]

I wish the Prime had the solar roof charge option like they do in Japan, My dad's 2021 Sonata hybrid has the solar roof charge option, it acts as a charge assist to supplement the HV battery and keeps the 12v charged, it can't touch the Prius mpg but it darn near it.

[@alluraromel392]

I miss the solar panel my 2010 Prius had. I live in FL so having that Solar Panel to circulate the outside air in through the cabin to keep the cars interior temp the same as the exterior was AWESOME. Now that may not sound like much but I’ll take 95 degree interior to 115 any day.

[@craigyamasaki4236]

Thanks for another outstanding video! I'm interested in your comment about allowing the computer to use the car's A/C to cool the cabin air when the battery is warmer than ideal for charging. I've looked for this setting but am unable to find it. Can you direct me where to look? Thank you.

[@TheCarCareNut]

When you set scheduled charging a prompt should pop up on the screen

[@eimartin]

I have a Prius Prime and I love this content!! Wishing you all the best AMD. Also, I think you skipped over how Toyota was able to add the extra seat in the back with the 2020 model. Can you get into that in the next video? Thanks!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi edgar! Really no real information from them about this one that’s why I didn’t get into it. My speculation would be they figured they might’ve took it a bit overboard and customers asked for it.

[@tristanhouleiphone]

@The Car Care Nut I have a question for you sir. I understand how much heat is the worst for the prime’s traction battery battery. My concern is this. The primes battery being in the trunk. When the car is parked out in the sun with the windows closed, it gets insanely hot inside the car. This type of heat damage seems unavoidable if the battery is in the trunk? What is your opinion on this? Thank you!

[@theamazoner4075]

AMD I belive that the Exuast that you pointed too was for if the battery has an issue and releases fumes that pipe directs them outside the cabin.

[@TheCarCareNut]

I am not aware of issues with the exhaust.

[@Ken-tc5mp]

Hi. Just brought Rav4Prime SE home. Studying the enormous manuals. But for the near future: Question: How can/ do I charge this with 240volt AC. I understand it is possible after having the outlet installed at home. Is this correct? Where do I buy the 240 cable, Toyota? Thanks so much. Also studying you series of videos on this topic. Take care. Ken

[@mostmost1]

I use the charge schedule except in the spring and summer.

[@jits1]

How often I need to run the gas engine in my Prius Prime 2022. I usually drive in auto mode, let the system decide if the engine needs to come on . Thanks

[@timc7860]

Would it be possible to upgrade a R4P SE to a 6.6kw charger? What parts would be needed aside from the charger itself, if any?

[@ByteFilm]

220V 15A outlet is perfect for charging this car

[@gregwiens9146]

I live in Winnipeg Canada and I am on the list to purchase a 2023 I am a bit worried about the -33C weather What do you think about it for those temps?

[@lizzieandbob1]

Question, we just ordered a new prime Prius. We don't have a garage. Is the charger weather proof?

[@valueofnothing2487]

Does the 12 volt battery charged while it is plugged in? Does the 12volt charge from the traction battery while not plugged in or driving?

[@garander1954]

Any concerns about rear seat passenger usually children , with electro magnetic fields caused by the high amperage caused by the batteries and mg1&2 right under the seats ?

[@MiguelRiestra24]

Do u recommend driving the car and charging it while driving

[@inovante]

I would like to purchase Toyota prius prime ( plugin hybrid ) but i know that it could stay all days long on the charging , does it harm to it ? Is that decrease cycles of charging/discharging of the battery ?

[@jbishoprwc]

So during regen the large battery will be recharged? Just to be clear the battery normally under the back seat does not exist in the Prius Prime.

[@angelsobrinomorras5129]

Thank you very much!!!! Would it be advisable to get a wall charger? Or is enough the conventional plug ?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! I honestly would save your money and use the provided cable

[@philmanglicmot2528]

As you continue the helpful information research on the Rav 4 Prime can you operate this Rav 4 prime without passenger and back seats, to set up a camping type vehicle? Also support a portable refrigerator, without the key turned on, if possible functioning estimate running time a weekend would be a good base. Plus run a portable microwave or instant pot. Still without key turned on. Hoping this Prime will allow better off the the grid fun. Best regards, Mango.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! You can but the back seat bottom might be an issue as there’s the charger and DC/DC converter underneath the back seat

[@philmanglicmot2528]

Please put together a video for Rav 4 Prime off the the grid camping. Possibly include all by intentions. Best regards, Mango

[@neliosamch3195]

@@philmanglicmot2528 Yes, but not least it has a 1500W AC inverter that is powered by the car's battery via the L3 Chademo socket as in the Mitsubishi but you still need to turn on the key. I did it in a differentway. I used a 5k 48v lifepo4 battery charge by a 12v to 48v converter then turn of the key and used solar panels to top it off.

[@beaum4903]

Hi AMD, my 2008 camry hybrid has vibrations at 75mph and above. I feel it in the floor, the accelerator pedal, allitle bit in my seats, and lightly in the steering wheel. I've had the car balanced, and the vibrations are still here. I also experience vibrations when hard braking, mostly 40mph and above to zero. It's not present during regular braking. Thanks, and may God bless you!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Check the brakes especially the back. You could have one or more that’s seized and causing the vibration.

[@Anomize23]

You sure your tires are balanced? Thats what it sounds like. Get that checked first because that’s common when its isn’t balanced

[@riceburner4747]

I love the look of the prime. Im sorry AMD, I'm partial to Toyota too! Have/had no desire for a Tesla & I dont compare. Do u ever rest?😂🤣👋 Please dont stop. Looking forward to RAV4 Prime.

[@TheCarCareNut]

I’m resting now actually! I film in sessions and now I’m off! Just editing

[@tucobenedicto109]

So when buying a new car, with ph ev there is a lot to consider. If I buy used because there is no units available should I go with a gasser? The person might travel a bit. It go with the old ev n mind you she is in the North West with hills. Rain and snow. Should I worry about salt trucks?

[@dankenton]

I don't need to charge daily however I set the charging schedules to every morning at 1am when the rates are lowest here. If the charging cable is not present at 1am, are you saying that my Prius has already prepped the battery and readied the car for the 1am charge? What are the consequences of that to my car if I end up only charging 2 or 3 times a week while the charging schedule is set to daily?

[@compuman7879]

I have a 2021 RAV4 prime for a couple months now and it's fantastic. Able to drive 52 miles a day on all electric is the best. Wish it was 100 miles it would be perfect blend of gas and electric. Toyota should upgrade the system to much fasting charging and yes I installed Nema 1450 at 240 volts which cuts the time to 4.5 hours. Toyota should have put the faster 2 hour charging on both trim levels not only on the XSE in the U.S. still great over all. Super comfortable on long road trips. No regrets do far.

[@RealJohnnyDingo]

bummer, I wonder if you can buy the faster charger and upgrade? unless the battery pack is different too? some lithium cells can accept higher charge rates than others

[@00crashtest]

What will be the EV range (roughly, since it's not revealed yet) on the new Prius Prime (presumably MY2023 because it's past the announcement time for MY2022) though? I'm deciding between a certified Honda Clarity and a new redesigned Prius Prime when I buy the car next year.

[@TheCarCareNut]

No information on this one honestly. Toyota is very secretive about their future cars

[@edrays9335]

I'm a snow bird and will have my car parked for 6 to 7 months at a time. Can I leave my car plugged in to protect the battery and keep it charged while the car is parked during this period of time?

[@parsjukinv2376]

All perfectly. But! This is all the same KZbin - a video blog. And - I would like to have more visuals than stories about cars. All the same - when the story is also confirmed visually - then everything is perceived much easier and more interesting.

[@alexi2460]

Getting about 80 mph.The noises make me a little nervous. I'm going to keep notes because I'm concerned about power loss when I get to slight inclines on the freeway, ie why would the speed drop automatically.

[@jeanrogers4240]

Am I using gas only when I drive Eco mode, if not what mode do I use gas only?

[@franclamaj4388]

Is it ok to use the car with gas all the time and we use charging only when we have time ???

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, I will remain in the 'old-fashioned' non-plugin Hybrid camp for the time being. ;-)

[@TheCarCareNut]

I hear ya

[@johnrickard8512]

For now I will too. No place to charge the Prime, and already have a perfectly good Corolla Hybrid which itself costs peanuts to operate. Hammers out my delivery work as if it was nothing!

[@RealJohnnyDingo]

I can plug in at work, and easily get back and forth to home on a charge... that means no gas bill all week! it's tempting, but with $2.50 gas I'm not really saving much. this is probably ideal for someone with a 20-25 mile commute who can charge on both ends.

[@johnrickard8512]

@@RealJohnnyDingo I am a Doordash/Grubhub driver so high range is paramount.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

So would it be advisable to get tinting on the windows to keep battery cool in summer? If so what kind of tint prevents heat

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Yes that is advisable. Most tints will protect the interior from heat to a degree but something is better than nothing

[@ashshell278]

Nano ceramic window tint. KZbin it.

[@oldies81]

Hi what year 4runner do you recommend starting from 2015 upwards in termsofreliability. Thanks

[@TheCarCareNut]

They’re all the same honestly. I wouldn’t pick one year over the other

[@jlawr4427]

You mentioned that the computer will heat the battery if the out side temperature is below 35 degrees. What is the HIGHEST temperature in the RAV4 Prime that will allow the system to charge the battery? Would the A/C come on automatically to cool the battery if the ambient temperature is above that level? Thanx.

[@TheCarCareNut]

From what I’ve seen it’s not listed but I’ll keep digging

[@fdj6429]

I have a 2012 Prius plug-in….is this the same deal? I’m trying to educate myself to maximize my cars life. I know mine has a lithium ion battery but 10 years old. How do you feel about the Project Lithium replacement batteries? Would getting wheels that are 5 lbs lighter each be worth while? Thanks again for your channel.

[@etamocicleta4899]

In how many years and how many kilometers (miles) can I expect to change the battery on a plug-in hybrid? I am considering purchasing one that is 10 years old and has nearly 200,000 km (124,000 miles). I appreciate your response

[@cohenhs]

I own both a Prius Prime and a Rav4 Prime XSE. Both have a 3.3KW onboard charger. The XSE OPTIONALLY offers a 6.6KW charger as part of about a $3K upgrade package. You mentioned the Rav4 rime XSE had the ^.6K charger but only a small percentage have them.

[@unclej3910]

The 2023 RAV 4 Prime XSE has the 6.6KW charger standard. Months ago i put $1,000 down to get in a queue for a 2023 Prime and two days ago the sales lady called me and said they have a red one and a white one being built and i was first in line. I chose the red one.

[@cohenhs]

@@unclej3910 Were you able to buy it close to MSRP? I was thrilled to buy my 2021 Rav4 Prime at MSRP and got the $7500 tax credit. Too bad that almost no PHEV will qualify for tax credits until at least 2024. Toyota won't get any tax credits until probably 2025 when maybe they can move the Rav4 and Prius Primes assembly from Japan to the US.

[@unclej3910]

@@cohenhs I haven't signed any papers. They have a $5,000 "Market Adjustment" tacked onto the MSRP. After thinking it over, i may cancel because my 2022 RAV 4 Hybrid XLE is getting the job done. And as you pointed out, Toyota's tax credit has expired. Also, i have no way to charge a PHEV or BEV where i live or work. Although there is a charging station about 1/4 mi. from my Apt. And i only drive about 8,000 to 9,00 miles a year on average.

[@grahamwinn979]

Hello. Please can you do an instructional video on the CVT drain and refill. When I purchased the used 2016 Gen 3 Auris at 80K miles I asked the Dealership to change the CVT fluid. They said they would have to order it in. They don't have in stocks. They insisted that its a lifetime fluid and doesn't need changing like the engine oil. Its not an automatic that's difficult to do with that special drain plug.. How often would you drain your CVT fluid nowing that there's no filter to remove metallic particles from swimming with the fluids landing on the windings of MG1 and MG2. Can I upgrade to the newer eCVT fluid or do I need to stick with the original WS fluid? The Vehicle has done 110k miles now.. Can I also change the thermostat to say 72°c during the Extreme summer heatwaves. To Prolong the headgasket. Also lowering the the INVERTER temperature to Prolong the life of the IGBTs from exploding leaking out the coolant like California where there is a recall software update. Many thanks. Looking forward to your professional video on the CVT fluid change ASAP. Ps had a high mileage Supra year's ago and it used to whine like a bitch in top gear. Don't want that in my Prius system...

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Is your auris hybrid?

[@PA5TYS]

In Europe there is this car also with a solar panel in the roof and a second battery wich will be charged by the solar panel. Then this battery will charge the main battery. The car is parkt in the sun with no external power connected. The charging by the sun is on. But in a hot environnement can it also employ the AC system to cool down the the battery? Or will it not charge because it is to hot? Thanks for your great video. Gr. Matthew

[@stephenfiore9960]

Great question

[@ClarksAddress]

Did I understand that when plugged in and charging, it will charge the hybrid battery and the 12 volt battery? If so, would it be OK to leave plugged in for a month or two while out of town? Better than a trickle charger? Thanks for all you do. Much appreciated!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! It’s not recommended to leave the HV battery fully charged and idling like that. Also I wouldn’t recommend leaving the car plugged in when you’re away for a month or two.

[@ReubenHorner]

If you need to leave for that long then take the negative from the 12v battery. This will prevent it from getting drained and also disable all hv system. Once you get back, put the negative wire back on and it's good to go

[@cohenhs]

For extended non-use, unplug the traction/hybrid battery preferably at 50% charge. Then hook a trickle charger to the 12V battery to maintain charge. When you return, you can fully charge the traction/hybrid battery and unhook the trickle charger from the 12V