Wish list for next generation Prius Plug-in

whatever works. you don't have to innovate toilet paper to make a good living.

 

Volt and Apple tangents... Not really related to the next gen PiP wish list.

 

My faith in Toyota doesn't come from worshiping or drinking their Kool-aid. It comes from years of impressive service from several Toyota vehicles which defied the paradigm of planned obsolescence.

I don't care if its out of fashion; I prefer superb engineering over emotional appeal. When I can have both, it's a win.

 

agreed. same with apple.

 

The LEAF has no ICE and therefore no tailpipe emissions so it is exempt from the CARB regulation that requires a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty.

Nissan has chosen to warrant the battery on their own terms for 8 years, I think. There is now some kind of warranted durability that it won't lose for than 25% or so of its usable capacity in the first 5 years. I forget the exact details. They also announced a reasonably priced out-of-warranty battery replacement option.

 

I was truly enjoying coming to PC without reading your crap you post. Now you are back. Please go back to whatever bridge you live under.

 

Right, the 10yr/150k warranty on the PiP hybrid system is under the CARB requirement for emission systems, and the hybrid system is considered part of the emissions system. Which, as Jeff points out, is not relevant to the Leaf.

 

MarkO bell0,

You must relax a tad there buddy... These are just stupid high tech cars we are talking about....
Throttle back there, son. And tell us what you really think!

Are you saying 'NO PiP owner wants more EV range and EV heat'?
'The PiP is perfect just the way it is'? Toyo, "Never change a thing" ?!!
This thread is about possible future changes, no?

Don't sweat the small stuff,,,,,, It's all small stuff....

Hey Pals,
I'm getting ready to buy a high mileage Gen 2 Prius for my daughter. Is there a test for battery condition? Other things to look for?
I know about 'Grid Charger/discharger' for the Gen 2. I have one for my '01 Honda Insight.

 

I want the trip odometers to separately display HV-MPG and EV-MPGE or as a compromise MPGE for the trip not the bogus MPG that ignores EV input energy.

 

EV heat or defrost would be nice, but we would definitely need more battery to have them. More range would be great. I have a 16 mile commute and can't make it without gas and come winter I am way down on MPGe.

 

Since you mentioned Winter: I want a built in thermostatically controlled grill block, fully closed unless ICE or AC is on.

 

Ah, like the Ram active grill shutters

 

I'm not sure I see the need. Any car with an electric fan shouldn't need the radiator blocked. I've had a few vehicles that couldn't keep the engine warm enough without something to block the airflow through the radiator, but a few strips of cardboard always did the trick, and I'm talking about -30 to -40 without wind-chill.

Thermostatic shutters seem to me like a ten-dollar solution to a five-cent problem. It's only going to show benefit on those rare occasions when the engine thermostat can't cope with the low temperatures well enough to keep the engine at operating temperature.

 

A blocked off grill greatly improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Also, in the case of a hybrid keeps the motor warmer so it can shut off more often.

 

Greg,
We all experience a significant drop in fuel economy with colder temperatures. Those of us who block our grills know very well that the drop is FAR less for us. The reasons are well understood, it takes more gas to warm-up and keep the ICE warm. My PIP's radiator fan(s) didn't come on driving 65 MPH through the mountains of the Carolinas on an 70 degree day even with 75% of the lower grill blocked.

 

I'm not convinced of the "far-less drop" in fuel economy of which you speak. Cold temperatures always reduce fuel economy, but I don't think it's mostly because of the cold air going through the radiator. I think it's mainly because of more friction due to stiffer lubricants.

 

I think grill blocking also helps with the rate at which the ice cools down. Which I think is huge, helping with warm up and also keeping the ice warm. Helps with cabin heat especially on those -20 and -30 degree days.

 

I think 99% of people on PC would disagree with you on that one Greg.

 

That may or may not be, but I'm sure the laws of thermodynamics are on my side with this one.

 

How about aerodynamics?