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Originally Posted by abowles
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One caution. I read somewhere (I think privatenrg.com) that there are possible lubrication issues with EV modes on Gen II Prius extending into the 8-10 minute ranges , and especially above that.
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Anyone doing this on their own should buy the maintenance manuals, at a minimium, as well as read some of the more technical, vehicle specific groups. In the case of the Prius, the transaxle oil pump is powered by the ICE and the MGs are 'sling oil' cooled.
Although my experiments are not over, my data suggests that the NHW11 03 Prius transaxle runs about 50F warmer than the ambient, even in +90F weather. Although not impossible, it looks to be difficult to overheat the transaxle. But you do need a lubrication film and that requires the engine run at least every so often.
However, I think it makes sense to provide auxillary electrical power above 42 miles per hour to iimprove highway performance. The ICE continues to run a lower power, offset by the auxillary electrical power. More about this someday in the future.
Bob Wilson