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Does the Prius Prime charge itself while driving?
My partner and I would like to get a hybrid vehicle, and we have always driven Toyotas. But we can’t decide between the Prius or the Prius Prime. I’ve heard that the Prius Prime can self-charge, and if that’s true then that’s what I want. So, does the Prius Prime charge itself?
Mary Alice Morris · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Both the
Toyota Prius
and the Prius Prime
are great choices, with some major differences between the two. The Prius is a hybrid, while the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The difference is that the Prius Prime’s battery is meant to last the life of the vehicle and you can plug it in to recharge it, unlike the Toyota Prius. And yes, the Prius Prime charges itself!
Keep in mind: Toyota recommends plugging the Prius Prime in to fully charge the battery and to keep the battery fully charged as much as possible for optimal performance.
However, the self-charging function really does work—it’s just not meant to be the sole source of power for the vehicle.
Basically, the Prius Prime has technology that allows it to capture the energy from braking, which then transfers into a battery charge to help power the vehicle. This technology is called regenerative braking, and all current hybrid and electric vehicle models in the US use it—not just the Prius Prime!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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