[kb7vvd]

I have a 2007 Prius. I sometimes employ hyper-miler techniques while driving. I was wondering if coasting in Neutral over long periods of time would cause any damage to the CVT or running gear.

[jdenenberg]

Just remember that neutral in a Prius does not disconnect the wheels from the drive train as it does in a normal car. Neutral (and EV mode) requires MG1 to spin at a rate that allows the ICE to remain at zero RPM. At some speed (46 MPH in your Prius) MG1 reaches its maximum safe RPM and the ICE must be allowed to spin or damage can result. This doesn't happen in neutral so don't go over 46 MPH in neutral! Lower speed use of neutral will not cause damage in your Prius.

Another less severe issue is that in neutral the HV battery cannot be charged so the State Of Charge (SOC) can get too low so don't operate in neutral for any extended period of time.

JeffD

[bwilson4web]

Thanks,

I thought the NHW11 and NHW20 had the same 'max' speed, 41 mph, with the engine off and the ZVW30 went to 46 mph. Regardless, both Good Prius Friend Hobbit and I have done the 'forbidden' experiment and gone faster than the critical speed with engine off and in "N" . . . and survived. I don't recommend it.

If I'm going down a hill and need more speed, I'll briefly shift into "D" as I approach 41 mph so the engine will start and then back to "N". What I've found is the engine rpm will increase at the higher speeds to keep MG1's rpm in the 6,000 rpm range of the NHW11.

Bob Wilson

[kb7vvd]

Thanks for the information.

Jim