What I don't like about the Prius Prime

I need @pEEf for what I want to do...but I've been briefly looking at the wireless vendors. The recent post about Prime's solar option is basically what I want to do. Except I agree with Mozden I am not enamored with the solar panels on the car itself, but I do not know yet, that may be a good idea too.

I believe Toyota said the wireless is awaiting auto industry agreement on standards.

 

No universal standard has been established yet for wireless charging.

The only previous announcement about it being on a car I recall, was on a Lexus.

 

and yet, i see ads for it here.

 

Those ads are for a propriety connector (charging pad & receiver).

 

On the Tesla thread, there is an ongoing discussion about solar panels, which Tesla does not offer.

Speaking of solar panels, however, .... some years ago I attended a solar class at the government facility near Santa Fe. At one time, I had a map that highlighted the optimum geography for solar, and most of the northern half of the US was outside of the area. At the time, tracking panels that follow the sun, or paraboloid panels were said to be the most effective.

A question to help me understand:
Now I'm told that PV panels have improved .... Are they so improved that a nearly flat panel on an automobile roof will produce much power except during the day when the sun is at it's highest .... and what about the northern latitudes?
On the Tesla thread, a writer mentioned a 400w automobile solar panel. Is that per hour? Is that optimum for noon day in the southern US? What is a reasonable power output say in Chicago?

After posting the above, I did a little on-line research, and the pre-G4 rooftop PV unit is not connected to the HV battery. That implies there will be no mileage boost. It did not address the new G4.

 

@jan Truer make nice description of expected output for the northern climes in the thread about the non-US bound Solar Panel. He lives in Netherlands and is bit north of me, even. But they will work but only in the mid-April to Mid-September time frame. The 400w mentioned in the Tesla thread is instantaneous. If the power output of the solar panel maintains that measurement for an hour then it is 400 W/hr. And it would more closely match southern latitudes expected output during the noon time.

 

Just because it isn't optimal, doesn't mean it isn't useful.
Here in Minnesota we have the same annual solar gain from solar as Miami, and better than Germany.

As for solar on cars, it is a gimmick. Basically a waste of money, especially for a car that can use gasoline for power.
The 400W rating is the maximum capacity for the panel.
So in perfect conditions (sun directly overhead, no shading) it will produce 400W in an hour. You then loose some of that when the inverter converts the power (not much). A zero degree tilt cuts the efficiency even more.

During the summer, if you intentionally park out in the sun, you also increase the power needed to cool the car.
When it is cloudy out, nighttime, or if the roof is shaded, the solar panel you paid for does nothing, except add weight to the car.

Overall, you are far better off putting panels on your roof if you have a good spot for them, or buying into a solar garden, or renewable energy.

 

Realistically, we really don't have the option. Most of the time, you're stuck without any shade available.

 

No. No. No. and one more time, no. Like Zythryn said, it is a gimmick.

 

I saw the Prius Prime today. Very nice looking (front and end) in a blue-ish colour. I like it way better than the normal prius. HUGE Ipad in the dash.
Well built. It was kind of strange to see the 2 seats in the back with a big armrest in the middle.

 

pics! where are the pics?

 

Sorry, i was too focused on my next car. The C-HR.

 

okay, pics of that are accepted here as well.

 

Look at the topic of the C-HR. Unfortunately were practically all of the photo's of poor quality.

 

I found Navigare's post hopeful. I agree with his assessment of the front and rear (from pictures), but was also encouraged by his comment about being "well built."

 

@Navigare
Just curious, where did you see the Prime?

 

At the headquarters of toyota in the Netherlands, Raamsdonksveer.

 

So , it was on display? Was it available for a test drive? I think that it has been spotted in the US, but as far as I know it is not available for viewing anywhere here until the fall.

I agree with your impression of the Prime being more attractive than the Gen 4. I am trying to patiently wait for the car's release date, but time is passing rather slowly. I can hardly wait to test drive one.

 

It was on display and it was open!! No testdrives.

 

That's interesting. The C-HR looks very sporty. I like the design direction that Toyota took with the car.

Thanks