How much of the Prime is gen 4?

Most of it. Same engine/MG1/MG2, just the addition of the sprag clutch. Probably the same power electronics except for the battery charger which the 2016 obviously lacks. Obviously, the battery is new as well. Other than some sheet metal (or CFRP, as the case may be), the only other thing I can think of is the 11.6" display on the two top models. I'm sure there are some other minor differences.

 

prime was being developed and built while the gen 4 was in its infancy. will be interesting to see what common problems they share.

 

The heat pump is new to the Prime.

 

good point. sounds like a potential source of problems.

 

Source: Some insider notes on the 2017 Prius Prime | PriusChat

Note that the Gen-4 Prius doesn't have a lot of miles on them either.

Bob Wilson

 

Note that number 1 was compared to the old PIP, not the G4.

 

I rather wait a year. See how the Prime worked. For now I am fine with my Prius.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

mines is broke

 

What's amazing to me is that the same MGs are used. I do realize that MG1 is also used to provide propulsive power, but why does the liftback need such a powerful electric motor when the battery in it can't provide the power to match? I'm amazed how much power the Prime has when driven in EV mode.

 

Yes but the problem with that is if the Trump administration will do away with the tax credit.

 

Regeneration.

Most people don't realize how much power is absored when you press on the brake pedal.

 

It is likely a requirement to get a properly working power split hybrid system.

If the motor can use more power than the battery can provide, how does making more power than the battery can take help?

 

Because MG2 is also in use when the engine is running, and not all power is coming from the battery in that case. A portion of engine power goes directly to the wheels, and a portion goes to MG1, then from MG1 to MG2 and to the wheels.

And, in some cases, that also works that way during regeneration - if regeneration is producing more power than the battery can handle, the excess will be sent to MG1, and MG1 will spin the engine.

 

So I was told by my accountant that this is unlikely this year. There are bigger "fish" to fry.

I do worry about the following though:

• President 'ridding of tax incentives for alternative, cleaner energy in production and vehicles (tax credits).
• President increasing tax credits for coal/big-oil to give back "american jobs".
• Import tariffs or increasing fees of imports (which will cause Toyota Prices to rise which they already are as Toyota announced). My guess is that this will be used to curb American bought vehicles and stuff, so that prices are not undercut, thereby increasing US jobs and "made in the US" brand.

There are obvious problems to all of those. Of course not all of those were problem free to begin with. But we live in a global market now, technology allows us to do so......Now we will move backwards in the global market. Perhaps the Chevy Volt will be terminated again once big-oil has control of the US fully again...and Coal...But I'm sure the President doesn't want to remove Solar jobs also.

 

The funny part is that some Toyota cars are more 'Made in US' than some US brand cars as far as parts and materials. For instance several Ford parts are actually sourced far afield, I remember my old Escort used to have locks that came from Toyota, other parts that were Honda pieces, it was sort of the kitchen sink of manufacturers going into one vehicle. If it is really just about assembly, you would just end up with Toyota retooling one of their US factories to take more panels for final assembly and would probably actually reduce the Made in US percentage in each vehicle.

I don't think the Volt has much to fear. Gas prices can't really fall much more given international pressure to manage fuel prices so people who are still interested in a vehicle like the Volt will continue to buy. Heck Prime drivers just bought this car while gas prices were near their lowest in 8 years, it wasn't about fuel savings, if it was, it wouldn't have made sense to buy. I will never make enough off fuel savings to account for the price difference between a less economical car with similar features.

Also, consider how much damage one person can really do in 4 years, it isn't as much as one might think. Also he may only hold majority in the congress for 2 years depending on how people feel about policies coming out.

 

But the Prius is still made from abroad ...

 

I heard on a financial news channel today that Ford cancelled that planned assembly plant in Mexico. Hmmm... Car makers are just going to have to make their cars in the US if they want to compete here. I see nothing wrong with some protectionism, especially if the other countries practice it themselves (e.g., Japan, China, Europe).

 

The liftback battery may look small but it is by no means small for its duty.
Say the usable capacity portion of it is 0.6kWh (600 Wh). Say it can be regenerated from "empty" to "full" in 45 sec (like in steep downhill drive) - you will need a 48 kW generator to for this mission! (0.6*3600/45=48)