If you're an owner or looking to become one, you know that Prius Prime is a fuel-efficient powerhouse, and we're here to help you get the most out of your ride. In this article from Electrly, we'll cover everything from the different charging methods to the time and cost it takes to get a full charge for your Prius Prime. Let's get started!
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Contact ElectrlyWhy Should I Charge The Battery of My Prius Prime?
If you're wondering why you should bother charging the battery of your Prius Prime, let us tell you it's a smart move! The Prius Prime is not your average hybrid. It comes with a unique power chain that combines a gas motor and an electric motor with a rechargeable battery.
This power chain allows you to take advantage of the full-EV mode, which lets you drive solely on electric power for short distances. By charging your battery, you can not only reduce emissions and help the environment, but also save on fuel costs.
With the rising popularity of electric cars and increasing fuel prices, charging your Prius Prime is a smart and economical choice. So go ahead and charge up that battery – your wallet and the planet will thank you!
How Can I Charge My Prius Prime?
If you're a Toyota Prius Prime owner, it's essential to know the different charging methods available to keep your car running efficiently. Here's a quick rundown of the charging level options available for your Prius Prime.
Level 1 Charger
The Level 1 portable charger comes standard with the Prius Prime and can be plugged into any standard household outlet. This charging option is ideal for those who do not have access to a regular EV charger. With Level 1 charging, you can expect a slower charging rate, but it is the most cost-effective option.
Level 2 Charger
Your Prius Prime also supports Level 2 EV charging as standard. Level 2 chargers are a faster and more efficient AC charging option than the Level 1 charger. This stationary charging option can be installed at home, in public charging stations, or at the workplace.
Level 3 Charger
Unfortunately, the Prius Prime is not compatible with Level 3/DC fast charging stations. However, with the efficient power management system on the Prius Prime, most owners find that the Level 1 and Level 2 charging options meet their needs and provide plenty of range for their daily commutes.
How Long Does It Take To Fully Charge My Prius Prime?
The 2023 Prius Prime is equipped with a brand new 13.4 kWh battery, while older models had an 8.8 kWh battery, and the charging power delivery varies based on the charging method. To calculate the charging time, simply divide the battery size by the charging power delivery of the chosen method.
For example, the time it takes to fully charge your 2023 Prius Prime with a Level 1 charger that comes standard with the car with a power delivery of up to 3.5 kW, it can take up to 4 hours to fully charge the battery from empty to full.
The Level 2 charger is a faster option for Prius drivers. Level 2 EV charging can provide up to 22 kW of charging power that can fully charge your Prius Prime in as fast as half an hour from empty to full.
How Much Does It Cost In General To Charge A Prius Prime?
Looking to charge your Prius Prime and wondering how much it'll cost? Let's break it down.
Charge at Home
Charging your vehicle at home is not only the most convenient but also the most cost-effective option for Prius owners. You can easily plug in the Level 1 cable that comes with the vehicle into any standard household outlet and charge your car without any additional equipment.
If you're looking for faster charging speeds, you can install a Level 2 charger at home. Keep in mind that the cost to install a Level 2 EV charger at home may be higher considering the charging equipment expenses, the labor involved, and the additional material needed.
With an average cost of around 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the United States, charging your 8.8-kWh battery from empty to full will cost you around $1.41 per charge, and will cost you around $2 per charge with a 13.4-kWh battery.
Charge at Public Places
Public charging for your Toyota Prius Prime can be found through various charging networks like ChargePoint or Blink. Other than commercial charging stations, you will also find free-to-use charging stations at various locations including educational institutions, government facilities, and shopping malls.
The cost to charge may vary depending on the charging service provider and location. Some providers charge by the kWh of electricity used, while others charge per minute of charging time. Drivers can also opt for charging network membership to enjoy cheaper charging rates and other benefits for EV drivers as well.
FAQs
1. Can I charge my Prius Prime in a Tesla charging station?
Yes, you can charge your Prius Prime at a Tesla destination charging station with the use of an adapter, but you cannot use the Tesla Supercharger network, which is actually Tesla's DC charging station.
2. What kind of connector does a Prius Prime have?
The Type 2 charging standard is used for all charging requirements of the Toyota Prius, making it easy to power up your ride. It comes with a Type 2 inlet located on the off-side rear 3/4 panel of the vehicle, where you would normally find a fuel flap.
This type of connector is used for both slow and fast charging at home or public AC charging points. Just remember, the Prius Plug-In doesn't have a Level 3 charging port and doesn't support rapid DC charging.
3. Should I install a Level 2 charger at home for charging my Prius Prime?
When it comes to deciding whether to install a Level 2 charger at home for your Prius Prime, there are a few factors to consider.
One of the main considerations is the installation cost. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated circuit and professional installation, which can be expensive. Another consideration is your charging schedule. If you typically only drive short distances and have ample time to charge overnight, even a Level 2 charger may not be necessary.
However, if you frequently use your vehicle and require faster charging times, a Level 2 charger can be beneficial. Additionally, you should consider your workplace, as some of them may offer charging stations. Ultimately, the decision to install a Level 2 charger depends on your individual needs and usage habits.
4. Do I have to charge the Prius in order to drive it?
No, you don’t have to, you can drive the Prius Prime without charging it. It will function as a regular hybrid vehicle and rely solely on the gas engine to operate. However, to maximize its fuel efficiency and electric range, it is recommended to charge the battery regularly.
5. What is the range of a Prius Prime using EV mode with a fully charged battery?
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has a fully electric range of up to 44 miles using its EV mode when the newly larger battery is fully charged. This range may also vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving style, and the use of the car's climate control system.
