It took a very, very long time to finally figure out how to present all the data I had been collecting from my plug-in Prius.

I was able to capture video of a few gauges while driving, but more simply wasn't realistic. The road vibration made mounting a camera steady for more data (smaller images) impossible. After lots of trial & error, I eventually figured out a way to utilize the numbers themselves instead of depending filming. By converting log file provided by the ODB-II reader application and using a Bluetooth adapter, the video could be created with some formatting software. Then, all I can to do was combine it with the scenery footage.

Since data is transmitted wirelessly from a device accessing the vehicle's computer live while driving and a cell-phone running an app is franticly trying to translate & record, the result isn't perfect. There will be an odd number (unusually high or just zero) from time to time. But overall the purpose is well served.

You'll see what happens, starting with a battery-pack close to the fully recharged (85%) and driving all the way to the depletion point (23.5%). The gas engine will turn on at times, then shut off again when not needed. Much of the 18-mile drive (to my favorite coffee-shop and back) is using only electricity, specifically 13 miles of EV. The rest is hybrid driving, known as HV.

Overall efficiency from that drive ended up being 146 MPG, as photos of the display screens at the completion of the video show. The full-charge of the battery-pack uses varies from 2.6 to 3.0 kWh of electricity, including losses from charging.

Prius PHV - Lots Of Data

This is my commute home, taking the scenic route along the river via the high-bridge to the bluff. It's a very pleasant drive through the park and on roads with lots of trees.

I used that bluetooth device again to capture ODB-II data while I drove. Unfortunately, it got hung up for almost a mile, leaving a gap in the recording. Fortunately, it picked up and synced nicely with the video afterward. It's still, by far, the best way to record lots of data for presentation later.

I started with a full charge. That's a battery-level of 85%. Not charging to 100% is what most automakers are doing to ensure longevity of the pack. The other technique used is to not discharge entirely. For Prius PHV, which has a 4.4 kWh total capacity, that means ending EV travel at 23.5% and HV at 18%. Having an engine makes that easy. You can see that happen in the video too. Watch for it 12.4 miles into the trip.

The hybrid system has an engine and 2 electric motors. The RPM values for all 3 are shown in the video. They are connected via a planetary-split-device (similar to a differential) to combine and direct power.

Coolant temperature is important to be aware of... not so much in the summer, more in the winter. The engine will run until demand for emission-cleansing and/or heater-warming is fulfilled. Running will stop when specific temperature thresholds are reached.

Battery intake & bank temperatures are becoming more and more of a discussion topic. Heat accelerates aging. Keeping the pack cool is important. Showing the effectiveness of the system goes a long way toward greenwash prevention. You can clearly see how well it works.

My 17.4 miles of driving home from work yielded fantastic results. 190 MPG overall.

Commute Home (Deplete EV) 

Taking the scenic route to work, along the river, the performance on this beautiful summer morning was outstanding.

418 MPG for the 17.2 mile drive.

Commute Work (Deplete EV)