Does the PIP have a pre-heater ?

I thought they just removed the heat-pump. Didn't realize there is no electrical heater at all. So, even if my commute is 10 miles, I'd have to use gas.

 

Nothing wrong with using gas when you need it, especially when you have it onboard. It is a strength of being a hybrid.

 

I like getting to know my future vehicle before putting my a** on it's seat

 

Thanks - that makes sense.

But the below quote by Toyota team is still a bit puzzling - why isn't there pre-heating possibility on the remote system ?

 

Don't see how the pre-heat system is big and/or complex. The one on the Volt is a type of in-line coolant heater. Granted it draws quite a bit of power, but it is compact. I would think the Prius would do like the Volt and just start the engine in order to pre-heat the cabin as well if it was cold enough. Anyone that has a regular Prius with remote start what does that do in cold weather and you leave the heater on? Unless Toyota put some kind of interlock on the Prius to prevent the engine while starting with it plugged in.. That would suck.

 

I guess if you are really concerned with pre-heating:

The Car Interior Preheater.

This is the programmable heater that helps defrost an automobile's windshield and warms the interior before you get inside. The battery-powered, rechargeable heater does not draw power from the car and it can be set to automatically turn on up to 20 minutes before you enter the car. The two heat vents tilt 180º to direct the hot air onto the windshield or throughout the car. Unlike remote car starters that require professional installation, this car preheater simply rests on the dashboard. The heater can be started from up to 200' away with the included remote and its lightweight design allows ease of transport to an AC outlet where it recharges in four hours; also recharges via a car power port (adapter included). 19" L x 4" Diam. (6 lbs.)

The Car Interior Preheater - Hammacher Schlemmer

 

i wonder how effective it really is on a cold morning? no spec on the battery capacity?

 

Yeah, I do not know.

 

Interesting - I'm sure Leaf users would be interested, if this can be used while driving. But it looks too small to have much energy stored - so probably not that useful.

 

so, if there is an electric heater, what does it do, heat the cabin? if so, can it be turned on while the car is still plugged in so as not to deplete the battery?

 

So I say all you do is run the AC with a 70 degree temp set. If its plugged in, it won't kick on the engine to do this. Sounds like just what the original poster wanted.

 

Electric heat is extremely inefficient in a PIP so not having that makes sense. Is there any idea how close running the engine is to say an efficient gas heater, something that converts gas energy into just heat, not mechanical energy with heat as a byproduct. I know it would be complex with safety issues etc but that is all just engineering.

 

It it's like the leaf, then 120v charging (while pre heating the cabin) will deplete the traction pack. If 240v charging, then the Prius could still charge, all the while pre heating the cabin. That's a lot of if's. we need more data.

 

wow, i wish the prius team would jump in here and clear this up.

 

You called?

Well, I will try to clear this up. Here goes...
The regular heating system in the PiP uses engine heat exhaust heat. The engine will start and operate as heat is needed (the same as 3rd Gen Prius). The PTC has an electric heating element like Prius which makes it more efficient than a standard heating system.

It's true that the very complex and heavy heat pump system that was on the demonstration PiP model was eliminated for the production version and therefore there is no pre-heat capability, only pre-cool (which can run either off the grid when plugged in or off the battery for up to 10min depending on your state of charge).

The seat heaters are meant to provide fast warmth in an energy efficient mode by drawing from the battery. That said, they are so efficient and the power consumption is so minimal that they would have a very small effect on your EV mileage.

Hope that helps a little?

Best,
Erica Gartsbeyn
Prius Product Manager
Toyota USA

 

Some body called the celestial angel???

 

thanks erica! what is the ptc?