Plug-In Prius revealed

+1 for the central coast of California!

 

Excellent point. I was also thinking that: a) Almost every EV parking space I've seen has the charger up front; and b) in my garage (at least) that position would put it much closer to the dryer's 240V plug, for faster charging?

 

the plug was probably moved to reduce cost. since charging probably goes through the inverter, the cables are a lot shorter up front. since all the fuses are on the left hand side... cables get even shorter (possibly non existant) on the left side. plus.. more efficient charging... even though these cables probably have just about No resistance. (so back to cost)

 

Well, this was revealed in Europe right? So, the plug would be on the passenger side, isn't it?

 

Makes sense. Good thinking. You would assume that Toyota would also add some sort of ignition interlock

 

This is exactly where I differ from most PHEV fans. I don't want to drive 20 miles on electric and then switch over to a normal Prius. I would rather the electric be used for acceleration only and gasoline for maintaining speed - from the minute I put the car into drive. I would at least like the option to switch between the two modes. For those that want all electric and no gasoline, they should have the option and for those that want all electric just for accelerating and gasoline for maintaining speed from the beginning, they should have the option.

 

mm i think you need to tell me where your suitcase is so i can sneek in

but that you forgot you know... did you know your forgot? mm gues you never know... or do you.

 

TMC to Display Prius Plug-in Concept at Frankfurt Show

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it plans to display the "Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept"—a concept vehicle that combines the benefits of CO2 emissions-reducing electrical-outlet battery charging and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles—at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) (Frankfurt Show) to be held from September 15 to 27. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept is based on the third-generation gasoline-electric Prius and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery.
TOYOTA: News Releases > TMC to Display Prius Plug-in Concept at Frankfurt Show

The EV cruising range is approx 20km(target), according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Ken@Japan

 

Doug,
Any idea if a retrofit will be available? Or will Toyota prefer to boost their inventory of clean certifiable used 2010 Prius?

Please remember my brilliant suggestion that you use the Priority Prius crowd for US BETA Testers. Together, we represent a fleet, and if you pick and choose, I am sure you could get a more enthusiastic group of BETA data collectors than you would from a utility company, corporation or municipality.

 

there is no way retrofit would ever be available, too many different parts...

... I am curious about the cost - as i thought before, they increased the electric top speed so you could use it on short trips exclusivly (i dont ever need more than 100 Kmh in the city), and 20 km range is plenty for me. But again, problem is that if it costs $5k more, there is no way to repay this cost.

Also since batteries will hold more charge and since electric motors are more powerful, i wonder if ICE mode will actually be more efficient and how much...

 

Is it schizophrenia that enables one side of the company to say, "PHEV's are not the way to go ... nor are EV's, either" ... while the other side of the company dangles working models in front of us? Or do they just live to torment us.



.

 

I wouldn't think so because the Li-ion battery is smaller and more powerful than Nimh. After 20 mile range, gas engine will 'work with' Li-Ion battery much like current car, I should think.

The 20 mile range must vary depending on driving conditions.

 

I believe that lithium ion batteries are more efficient at converting the energy spent for charging into stored energy. I think the Nimh batteries waste about 30-40% of the charging energy, while Li ion waste only about 5%. That fact would definately make the lithium batteried Prius get better mileage than the NiMh Prius.

On another note. In the SF Bay area, my "marginal" electricity rate is now up to 45 cents a kilowatt. You heard that right 45 cents. At 25kw per 100 miles (which is what the Chevy Volt is expected to need) it would cost me $11.25 in electricity to go 100 miles. Why would I want a plug in, at that kind of cost?

 

It is not 20 mile, but it is 20km(12.4 mile) and the condition is the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
TMC to Display Prius Plug-in Concept at Frankfurt Show
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...ill-have-12-4mile-electric-vehicle-range.html

Ken@Japan

 

20 km = ~ 12.4 miles.

 

I think you mean 45 cents per kwh, and 25 kwh per 100 miles. When does that marginal rate kick in ? When the time comes, you may want to look into night rates. In the meantime, look for conservation opportunities.

 

Yes I mean kwh, I was just being lazy.

We just got smart meters that measure energy every hour. I can even log in the next day to get the hour by hour usage online. It is really cool. They have not begun offering rates by time yet. However, I am sure it is coming.

0-375kw is 11 cents
375-487 is 13 cents
487-750 is 26 cents
750-1125 is 38 cents
over 1125 is 44 cents

AC and Pool pump sucks up all my electricity. Plus, 4 kids electronict toys, bleh.

 

Because most people can avoid paying that marginal cost by charging at night with time of use metering. Plus at 45 cents and all of the CA solar credits it should pay you to put up solar panels (if you can).

If none of these solutions are for you... then plugging in wont be a great idea!

 

Toyota will almost certainly not provide that option. Third parties will.

 

TOYOTA SWITCHES ON TO AN ELECTRIC FUTURE

This link has high res pictures and a little more detail.