Prius Plug-in and Volt Pros and Cons

Some of our strongest supporters emerged from initial misunderstandings. It's always a worthwhile exercise to talk through the operational details anyway. We've got quite a diverse audience and the forum has communications limitations. Things like the video are helping us to spread the knowledge.

After all, the topic is about the differences between the regular and plug-in model. To recognize the benefit, we must first make sure everyone has a solid understanding of how the hybrid system itself works.

 

Maybe reposting the nuts and bolts video would be helpful

 

You are absolutely right, but I'm not sure there's much power is lost as a result. The electric motors working together create the variable ratio transmission effect which the engine needs to drive the power-train efficiently.

 

This time of year I have 13+ miles left over on my Volt after my 38 mile round trip.

 

The Prius wins on overall better mileage, but the Volt has taken a big bite out of its market-share because of its useful EV range.

Time for Toyota to re-think, I think.

 

This is what the NS4 will be for I believe... Probably at least 50 miles range on that vehicle when it's released, and probably 45 or 50 mpg

 

As I eagerly await my transition from ICE to BEV in a few weeks I've been hopping all over various hybrid/BEV-related forums of all sorts. Other than the forums for my future car this thread has been by far my favorite of any of them. There's been lots of interesting information that's come out as John and the Voltsters have had their back-and-forth.

Yes, it definitely is a thread that's strayed (and I hope the OP got enough relevant info out of it to make up his/her mind), but I wanted to come out of lurker-mode to say I hope it does keep going. If not, I'll miss it!

 

PiP sold very well last month. That's for sure.

 

California probably leading the way, with the high interest in admittance to the HOV lanes of clogged highways. Here in the east many people come at it from a slightly different tack since we are the furthest point downwind for a lot of air pollution, not to mention that generated locally. It's heartening to see any BEV or PHEV on the road, but there still aren't enough to feel like it's a movement. Prius is the 800 pound gorilla here, with a smattering of other eco-oriented vehicles. Not many Pips and even fewer Volts so I always enjoy seeing the white Volt from just down the road turning the corner to come home. One PiP and one Volt in the neighborhood is a good start.

 

Please say what you're thinking of switching from and what you're thinking of switching to, that's very informative You being from MA I'd be curious to know BEV #s and efficiency considering MA has all extreme seasons lol

 

Hi inferno, my quick vehicle history: went from early Honda Insight to iconic Prius in November 2003. Loved it, but after 5 years got a great deal on a Nissan Altima Hybrid and bought that. (So-so mileage for a hybrid but fun to drive). Went thru mid-life crisis and got a hardtop convertible 3 years ago, Volvo C70. Fun, but after feeling ICE remorse started looking to get back on the other side of the fence.

After some saving and careful examination of finances decided to go for a Model S, currently on order for delivery in September. I got the 85kwh model so plenty of range, and the good news is where I park for my commute has free Level 2 charging so my home electric bill will barely budge. I was leery of how it would react to ice, snow, etc but after seeing some winter handling videos (and the fact it is so popular in Norway) put my mind at ease.

Way back in 2003 when I ordered my Prius I had to wait a couple months and remember enjoying John's site and other resources to keep myself busy during the wait. Now I have even longer to wait so I have a list of bookmarks for sites on hybrids,volt/leaf/prius forums, BEVs, etc. that I'm regularly perusing.

 

Bill, thanks! I am psyched that short-range fuel is mostly taken care of by work day charging, and long-range by the superchargers. Heading to the south and southwest is covered by a charger in RI and 2 in CT, however heading to northern New England is still not covered, so I'd have to make do with Level 2 charging whenever I go up there. Fortunately my once or twice a year from Boston to Hendersonville NC to see my Dad will be completely covered by superchargers the next time I go.

 

What I mostly was curious about was how much did the range decrease in the cold or hot Or how much did it increase?

 

If I remember right I've seen a couple people in the forums say range can get closer to 190 on very cold winter days. Hot weather / AC use doesn't affect it as much. I'll find out for myself later this year. \o/

 

That didn't work. I can still see Bill's original post just fine..... I guess moderators don't censor posts when you click Report and write, "I don't like his viewpoint." I guess they support free speech in their little area of the web.

 

I don't regret buying the PiP, but it really doesn't make a heap of difference in retrospect. Electricity costs about half as much as gasoline where I live, therefore the 19 km of EV range I get normally on a charge, amounts to about one liter of fuel, more or less. That translates to roughly 30 cents of benefit, every time I plug it in. It doesn't always seem worth the extra effort to take out the cord, plug it in and put it back in the car when I'm finished.