Some insider notes on the 2017 Prius Prime

Did they mention something about a clutch that enables dual EV motor mode?

 

thanks danny and tideland!

quieter than the 4g, that's saying something.

 

What does this mean? If you fold the seats down, it's not a big flat area?

 

Soon as in the Chief Engineer is doing a presentation at the NY Auto Show today or soon as in the next few months?

 

Wth, Solar Roof charging the HV battery everywhere except US?!?! Holy crap...why do they do this to us...

 

Battery TMS?

 

Not trying to spread FUD, just concerned: Will a good case of freeway bumper tag (when you get tagged on both the front and rear) possibly total the car because of the CF hatch? Especially after a couple years when the initial depreciation has lowered values.

 

probably.

 

I think I kind of like that dimple in the hatch window and spoiler.
Now when someone tailgates a Prius Prime, it stare's back like it's angry.

I'm concerned...or maybe just curious about these points...

Typically, IMO a heavier vehicle is not more tossable and more lively. I'm somewhat concerned that "meatier" and "luxury" tuned could be code for....a more sluggish feel.

But that's something that can probably only be ascertained once the vehicle can actually be driven. So I'm willing to wait for feedback.

Overall it's impressive. Looks like Toyota is pushing the envelope with this incarnation.

Also....

That's disappointing. Why not available in the US? They gave us the "air recirculation" solar roof in the Gen 3? I think a solar panel roof that actually helped charge the HV battery would be very welcomed in the USA. I would wonder what Toyota's thinking is in NOT offering it to US consumers.

 

does 'anywhere but the u.s. mean canada? i'm up for a road trip.

 

The structural parts of a carbon fiber bicycle can be repaired; some even DIY. The hatch isn't a structural component. Carbon fiber is going to start showing up in more cars. The repair of shops that can repair it will increase, and the cost to do so will go down.

Likely because of cost. In Japan, with high fuel and electric prices, a higher cost for the option could be justified. Same with much of Europe, or the cost isn't much for those willing to pay the import tax for the car.

In the US, gas and electric is cheap in most places. The price for a curved PV with required electronics was likely too high for this market.

Canada won't get it because of the latitude.

 

They can charge whatever they want. I'm assuming it's an option wherever it's available. I just think a lot of consumers in the US would be very interested in a solar panel that charged the HV battery. I remember threads where people wanted to "mod" the Gen 3 solar roof to do that very thing. Don't remember anyone being successful in doing so.

I really can't imagine the solar roof that charges the HV battery would be all that more expensive than the solar roof that ran the re-circulation system in the Gen 3.

I think you build and offer the best machine you can. Gas prices are "temporarily" low in the US, but that doesn't mean I want to accept an inferior option choice pallet.

 

That is friggin' nice. I want one. The only thing I don't like is the four seater thing.

 

Ok ok all - what are the chances that there is a version with a 5th seat on the way? Is this something we might find or would have to wait another 5-6 years for the next gen.

If the Pacifica Plugin is priced right we may see a whole new fight.

I'm disappointed because I was going to buy the PP (hmmm...that doesn't work) but the 5th seat issue such a deal breaker. Isn't the Gen IV a little wider than the Gen 3? lol Wth...there's no battery there. Why o' why...

 

Yeah...the back seat should have been the same as the lift back with the battery underneath it and the battery should have extended into the hatch area if necessary - the same place as the hybrid battery in G2 and G3. Toyota really screwed up here.

 

Someone did do a solar roof on a gen1. It took up the entire roof.

The area of PV needed to run the 12volt blower or maintaining the starter battery is tiny compared to what you would need to put a measurable amount of range into the pack. Anything less, and it is just a gimmick. These are panels that need to contour to the roof, and with start at a higher price because of that.

Toyota already paid the price to develop this, but offering and servicing it in a market carries its own price. As a for profit, I'm sure Toyota did the research, and ran the numbers, and simply decided that cost was too high for the few extra sales it might gain. Or they are still upset about WW2. Nothing says this can't become available at a later date.

A solar powered blower for recirculating the cabin air of a parked car would be nice on any model in summer. Shame they dropped it, and it would reduce the heat pump load for cooling.

 

I'm just asking for "availability". (Solar Roof-HV Battery Charging)
It seems to me, simply making it available would be something highly adaptable. If they don't sell? Then reduce the amount being imported.
But make them available...at whatever cost they deem necessary to do so.

Available Anywhere BUT the US?
That chosen exclusion just seems odd.

 

Many times that means not available in N. America but in case it really is just the USA, one could try importing from Canada or maybe get the parts from there.