Range Neurosis

Totally agree. Which is why I think plug in cars will eventually be sold like how iPads are. There is a 32gb, 64gb, and a 128gb. So you could buy a car with a 25 mile range, 50 mile range, 100 mile range, or 200 mile range...something like that.

 

With trunk capacity ranging from cavernous to matchbox in size

 

Tesla can swap in a charged battery in about 90 seconds, so, theoretically, YES!

 

I agree 100%. I love my Prius Plug In Advance. It has all the features I like without having to spend a lot more. With charging at home and work, I can "normally" drive all EV most days. As it gets cooler, it's tough in the mornings. Anything more than straight to work and home, I'm out of charge. A solid 30-40 miles solid EV would suit me for now. Don't say Volt, I just want more EV range for my current or future Prius Plug In Gen 4.

What I really need to do, is adjust my thinking and driving. ANY EV driving is a bonus. Once EV charge is used, drive it and enjoy the exceptional hybrid fuel mileage that non plug in drivers experience and brag about. Count me as another Prius Plug In owner with no desire to own a Telsa S. I would go from marginal cost and low EV range, to excessive cost and more EV (only) range than my driving style requires. Charging everyday is a small price to pay to drive the current Prius Plug In, if only the EV range was higher than what we have now. Plus, I wouldn't want to trade off the hybrid option (unlimited range).

 

The PiP works out just fine for me. I can run all around town without using a drop of gas, the car blends the battery and gas on my commute, which gives me great mileage and when I drive to my brother's place in Va., I can make the 440 mile drive without stopping for any gas. It's the best of all worlds.

 

I *do* want a model S, but only as a second car. The other car will be a CT200h, so I will still have great hybrid mileage and Toyota reliability. I won't be able to afford the model S until used prices drop into the $35-$40k range though. I do miss the 550+ Ft-lbs. of (peak) rear wheel torque that my Supra provided, and the model S will scratch that itch nicely.

 

People I know who own the ct200 feel it is too rigid on bumps and too small inside. I think the Prius is a better car for most drivers. The Lexus has a status but not necessarily a smoother ride.

 

I think that having an EV (a Leaf in my case) and a PIP is the best overall arrangement. I drive my Leaf for all trips I can easily take (including all my commuting and errands), with no worries, and use my housemate's PIP for the rest. When driving the PIP I don't worry about EV range, instead treating the car as it's best suited: as a Super Hybrid. That means using EV range for city and low speed highways on level ground or downhill, and using the ICE for the rest. For single-driver 'families' I suggest a PHEV and an electric scooter or used Neighborhood Electric vehicle (NEV) like an enclosed GEM. The larger scooters are faster and more fun, though!

 

Coming back through Maryland, there were some huge traffic jams and twice I was next to a guy driving a Tesla S with Mass. plates. I hope he had enough juice to get through it all.

 

The PiP does the job a NEV could do just fine, probably better.

 

But with a GEM you don't have to worry about the engine starting. ;-)

 

I've never had the ICE come on yet other than when I wanted it to personally.

 

It's just to darn flat in Nebraska!

 

Or maybe a change they introduced to the 2013?

 

They are revamping the model now.

 

why don't they just upgrade the prius for quieter, more comfortable ride? add some luxury touches inside and live with somewhat lower mpg's. does it have to be 'fast and sporty' to be a lexus?

 

This is always a tough one to answer as everyone's desires and driving patterns vary.

The biggest challenge is what you measure against which is the ICE range and infrastructure.

Today, most ICE's can go 300 miles, be refueled in 5 minutes, from gas stations that are readily available and can be easily found without even looking at a map or iPhone app.

Everything in the plug in world offers a compromise from what is capable in an ICE. The question is how much compromise are you willing to accept, how much will you gain for that compromise, and how much extra will that cost? That answer is different for each individual....

The sweet spot will be the vehicle with the least compromise, the highest gain, and the most reasonable price.

 

You just defined the PiP.

 

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The PIP gives up only a small amount of trunk space and the spare tire. In return you get somewhere between 4000 and 8000 EV miles per year, depending on your commute and how many times per day you can charge. The cost is a small increment over the regular PIP, especially when considering tax incentives, rebates, car pool stickers, etc.

Every other PHEV or EV gives up more and/or costs much more, incrementally from the approximate same size/styling of a car, IMO.

Mike

 

I pretty much agree with your point but want to nit pick on this.

Yes, PiP has less space under the cargo floor but EPA still rated it as having 22 cu ft cargo space, the same as regular Prius.