Really leaning toward a 2014 Prius Plugin, need your opinions/thoughts

Every time I read a positive review of the Ford Fusion Energi or Honda Accord Plug-in I'm forced to remember how much the battery has compromised the trunk space.

 

agreed. i would love for my wife to have a plug in camry, but it would have to be designed in a way that allowed for a decent trunk.

 

The base PiP was 26K (after 3K Toyota rebate, should waited 2 months for 4k!), the PiA was 40K. There was nothing to justify the extra $'s.

 

Actually, I love it and the MPG is 39 because Ford had to revised it twice already. However, I think that's mostly due to the driver. I've been driving the Ford like I drove the Prius (slow acceleration, coasting, etc.) I actually get comparable MPG ~ 48-50 MPG on hybrid mode. It all depends on how you drive. The Ford has a bigger engine, 2.0L compared to the Prius's 1.8L. It has a little bit more power 195 HP with both engine running vs. 134 HP on the Prius. With more power comes more fuel consumption.

When we go on trips, the ride quality is much better, it is a bigger car (Camery size). However, as some have already stated, trunk space is very limited to a 2 small suitcase. It's not a car for everyone, but for me and my 14 mile round-trip daily commute, it works out great with spare miles for running errands around town on all electric.

 

Agreed, I really wish there was more trunk space. However, this is my primary commuting car and short trips. Wish they'd put the battery on the bottom of the car, like Tesla

 

if someone can accomplish that, they'll have a real winner. at least for us, that would cover 95% of my wife's mileage.

 

Error on my part ...
The AWD talk from Toyota was wrt to the Prius, not the Prius plug-in.
This does not mean it is not possible, only that I have not read anything specific.

It well may be that Toyota kinda sorta gives customers a choice between AWD or extended range EV in the higher price trims. It would certainly be consistent with how Toyota has offered leading tech items in the past.

 

dianne says larger battery, higher price. i don't know how 'inside' her inside information is.

 

There is the reality of tax-credits no longer being available then.

 

I suppose it's possible Toyota could have cheap PiP and an expensive PiP with bigger battery.
Recall a couple years ago it was thought that Plug-In woud be standard on all Prii.
The next PiP will have the inductive charging option and that sounds like a more expensive car to me.

 

i hope it's an option, not something i would be interested in, especially at a cost. hard to believe that will be available in two years.

 

Ditto!

 

According to WiTricity, the cost should be around $1,000. The price could be $2,500 - $3,000 but it is really up to Toyota.

Charging efficiency is 90%+ from end to end for PHEV application (AC in and DC out).

I think Toyota should bundle the wireless charging option with the Smartkey. It'll make plugins really convenient.

 

ouch, i want my sks, no more bundles!

 

It might lower prices to them, but I highly doubt consumers will see a drop in price. And where is all this AWD speculation coming from?

I also hope they make it an option, although if they plan to increase it's adoption they'll need to include it on all models. But that will definitely increase the cost as well. It seems convenient for a closed garage, where you can leave the pad permanently on the floor, but I'm not sure I would like to leave it outside on my driveway where I normally charge my PiP, and if it gets pushed to the public infrastructure then ICE'ing will make it impossible to use, and you can't unplug someone who finished charging next to your spot and plug yourself in (or vice versa).

I tried out the technology for my Nexus 5, and was so unimpressed I returned the wireless charger. Generated more heat and charged slower and needed to place it properly on the pad, not worth saving the hassle of simply grabbing a cable and plugging in IMO.

 

I have the Tylt charger for my Droid Maxx, and I just toss the phone onto it, and it works, charging about as fast as a USB charger. I understand that other wireless chargers can be fussy about positioning, but the Tylt shows that this is not an inherent issue.

I also hope that the inductive charging system on the PiP would be an independent option, not bundled with something else like the SKS.

 

You could always find a gently used and we'll cared for 2013 PiP for much less than new. You might even be able to find a nice one on these forums for around $21,500