Summary of proposed improvements for future versions of Prius

Regen is also limited by the maximum amperage that can be accepted by the batteries. Could that be what you are seeing?

 

Move the cruise control buttons to the front face of the steering wheel.

Why?

The cruise control stalk moves with the steering wheel. Sometimes after parking, the wheel is turned to the right and the stalk is straight down. In this position, it is possible to bump the stalk with a knee while exiting the car, and there is a chance of breaking the cruise control stalk.

 

The only time the wheel should not be at center when parked, is when parking on an incline against a curb. Then you rotate the tires so that if the brake fails it rolls into the curb and stops. When parked on flat ground or without curbs, best practice is to make the tires straight.

 

The best example of this I know of is the Ferrari F458:



That would be:

Left/Right Indicators
Headlights/Highbeams
Engine Control
Flappy Paddle Gearbox
Suspension Control
Windshield washer fluid spray control and windshield wiper speed control
Horn
Stability Control and Traction Control Settings

 

I am a newbie from Malaysia.

I wish to propose that Prius ECO Drive Monitor to be integrated with the GPS systems, so that at every trip during period of travelling will able to record the fuel efficiency and travel mileage.

This will help Prius owners to plan their routes and schedule their trip.

Perhaps this has been proposed, if not please include this in. Thx!

 

There are a lot of benefits that could be derived from integrating the car with the GPS. In fact, that is the only reason I can think of, for having the GPS as part of the car in the first place. * Have the car know about upcoming changes in elevation so that it can maximize fuel economy based on that. * Coordinate distance to empty with known gas stations along the route. Have it ping them for gas prices. * Establish a baseline for economy on common routes so that the GPS can recommend routes based on fuel economy. * Accumulate enough data so that that process can be automated. * Use any EV mode in the most advantageous place in the route.

And I am sure many more.

 

How about in door water bottle holders that hold refillable water bottles instead of only holding the ridiculously ungreen PET water bottles. I mean, really, a car that gets 50 mpg that will only hold a bottle of water that has been purchased in a plastic bottle. Really?

 

You know you can refill those bottles right?

 

Although I've owned my Prius for 1 year and 1 month, I just found this forum. I really like the Prius but my wife doesn't because of the rear view visibility issue. She sees that bar across the back and it gives her problems. I wanted to get her a Prius but because of that item alone, it looks like I'll have to give up 6 mpg and instead get her a Honda Civic Hybrid. I wish Toyota would have a Prius sedan that had better visibility. I need to get her this car before the end of the year and, with the Tsunami situation, I doubt Toyota will have anything with an improved visibility.

 

ya, buy the honda. the prius hasn't changed in 8 years and isn't likely to any time soon.

 

Couple Q's - Do you never turn into a parking space?
If you do turn into a parking space, do you always take the time to back out again to drive in so steering wheel is straight.

When I turn into a parking space, my steering wheel is often turned a bit. Maybe I'm not normal in this.

I sometimes bumped my knee on the 2009 stalk getting out, and never liked it when that happened.

 

The car does not have to be moving to turn the wheel, but it does stress the components much more so than if it was moving even slightly. So you can park then turn the wheel straight, but it is better to just straighten it out to begin with.

The last foot or so of parking, you go slower and twist the wheel back. It is very natural and the wheels are always perfectly straight when I get out of the car. I do not remember anytime after getting my license to drive where I have had to back up and straighten out for another try.

I was just at the natural history and science museum and there was an old lady in a white GenII trying to park in a spot just ahead in the parking garage. She went in and out about 4 times, then gave up and drove away. I drove in with my red GenII first time and got out chuckling. Some people really just should not be allowed to drive. There were a few times where you weren't quite sure if she was hitting the bumpers/fenders of the other cars lol.