What is this in my Prius v Three?

is this underneath the carpet, on top of the spare tyre?

 

It's pretty sturdy, I wouldn't dismiss it just yet. There's more than one insert, BTW. My only complaint about them is they are TOO thick and don't hold as much as if they used thinner material. But they weigh nothing, which is probably the point.

 

You may be over-reacting just a tad. Keep in mind that the trays also have a critical function which is channeling air from the traction battery cooling fan across the 12v batt and out the back. Do not remove them.

 

If you are talking the two lateral bins across the back under the carpet and aft of the spare tire, I use them for things like jumper cables, lug wrench with a long handle, golf umbrella, rags, etc. Keeps them from banging/sliding around above the trunk carpet. I also keep a spare set of golf clubs there for when I only have time to go to the range.

You'll find your uses for them.

I wondered what I'd use 3 cup holders and 7 storage spaces in the front seat area for. After 2 years they are all used. I finally found the use for the slot on the left of the dash where many cars have coin holders. I use it to store calling cards. Saves me having to write down stuff for someone. And almost all toll roads now accept transponders or just bill you after taking a picture of your license plate.

 

They are pretty sturdy for styrofoam. I have accidentally bumped them when checking the spare tire pressure and am amazed haven't chipped one yet. Don't worry too much about it.

 

That's because they aren't common "Styrofoam".
There are MANY kinds of materials used for extruded foam products.
This stuff is more like the material that Nascar uses to pad the concrete walls (safer barrier).
It also is part of the "crush zone" in the trunk.

 

Its also the same stuff that the deck itself is made from.

 

I got a 2014 Prius v (lowercase v) Two yesterday after having test driven one Monday and going over every inch of it to make sure I could do standard maintenance things like changing the headlights without taking off the bumper or paying the dealership $300 in labor to do it for me.*

Looks like a great car and they fixed most of the issues I had with my 2007 and my wife's 2012. That Styrofoam insert below the cargo space is a big disappointment though. If it were one piece with one large storage space it wouldn't be so bad, but I can't even put my socket set in there.
I asked our sales person if there was an upgrade, she said no and said something about the design using Styrofoam to make the car lighter... I wouldn't think the weight difference between a large empty plastic box and this foam stuff would have a significant impact fuel economy.

Guess I'll have to shove my car tools under one of the front seats until someone makes a third-party replacement.


*still unhappy about the home maintenance unfriendlieness of my old 2007 Prius. Going to miss that car otherwise.

 

Just found out yesterday my golf shoes have been in the larger bin since last year. Along with a small tool kit, drink holders for my pull cart, straps for the back, first aid kit, work gloves, car owner's manual. I use those bins all the time.

 

But not very often

 

LOL Guess I'll have to admit to being a bit of a bin user. I store stuff, just never find it again.

 

It's actually not styrofoam. Rather it is EPP which is much longer lasting and will wear for quite some time. Keep it out of the sun and it will likely last longer than your batteries.