[Deo volente]

Will a Prius even DO 80/90 mph?

My brother wanted to see how fast his brand new Prius could go, so he got it up to over 100mph on I-5 through the San Joaquin Valley in Calif. Unfortunately, he was just hitting 100 when he blew by a CHP cruiser parked at the side of the highway. Very expensive ticket! He said, though, that the officer was impressed.

[CharlesWayneCT]

THe care is limited to between 101 and 104 mph. THe speed of the car is entirely controlled by the electric motor, which is attached directly to the wheels (through a fixed gearset). The motor has a rotation limit that cannot be exceeded, which matches the 100mph max speed.

The gas engine can provide power, but does not control the speed of the car.