Ev Range?

[Scorpio]

Looking at a new 2004 Prius but a couple of questions

In EV mode

What speed can be maintained? Will it drive around town just on EV and not embarress itself?

How far can it travel on EV

Reason for the questions are that I have two sets of journeys - one is 25-30 miles on fast A roads at 40-60mph and the other is a 5 mile trip into town where I never exceed 30mph.

Would be nice to consider that I could do the town work solely on Electric power and recharge the batteries on the faster runs.

Also, does anyone know if aftermarket Battery charges are available? Perhaps running from a wind charger (we live on the coast!!)?

Thanks

Scorpio

[Braindead]

Think the book says around 2km in EV mode. They also recommend you let the car think for itself. 30mph is the speed limit before it pops out of EV mode, though it will pop out if you try accelerate hard, the Battery is low and who knows what else.

However, if you get up to cruising speed, lift off the throttle then put your foot back on the throttle it wil often slip into stealth mode on it's own. My trip to work has two 40 mph stretches where I can get the car into stealth mode as described above.

Very rarely use EV mode. No need.

As far as I know, there is no way of charging the NiMH batteries externally, the Prius just sorts it all out as you drive.

Hope this helps