2019 Prime not getting a larger battery?

Personally, I think the deck in the Prime “looks” abnormally high, but I think the space reduction looks much worse than it really is (~1.8 ft3, 19.8 vs 21.6 according to Edmunds, compared to PiP. Of course, compared to Gen 4, difference is much greater). It’s mostly a different shape, longer and flatter rather than more “cubic” than PiP, from my limited exposure to Prime.

A minor concern in my opinion, since it is rather rare that I would fill the hatch to capacity anyway. Mostly just when travelling, sometimes.

Plus, there are alternatives for temporary additional cargo, like a roof rack & box, or hitch mount cargo carrier.

Still eager to hear what changes the ‘19’s will have, if any....

 

Like to like because both don't have a spare tire, the Prime has 7.6 cubic feet, or 56.8 gallons, less cargo than the Prius Two Eco.

The owner's manual actually warns against installing a hitch even for a bike rack, and a roof rack will reduce fuel economy.

Still valid options, but Toyota could have packaged the battery far better.

 

Agreed, but I am sure that was the best design they could come up with at the time. Hopefully, it will be improved in the near future.

 

In June I went on an 18 day driving trip with my wife and two kids in my Prime. This included all our clothes, a DSLR and five lenses (one of which is pretty big), three laptops and games for the kids in the car, emergency food and water. Averaged 56mpg for the 3000 mile trip and everything fit.

 

If TNGA had been designed with plug ins in mind, it could have had it now.

 

yeah, will be interesting to see what they do to make plug in only prius. sounds like pie in the sky

 

Yup, I remember the other thread you had explaining that, fantastic story. Like I said, the hatch fits more than it looks, I think it is deceiving to look at. In case my comment was misinterpreted, IMO it is a bit disappointing it is a bit smaller than the previous generation as a trade-off for a larger battery, but not a deal breaker at all for me.

Just like trading a spare tire in my PiP for an HV battery provides a daily benefit (saving money on fuel + HOV access), while a spare tire is a ‘benefit’ that many people *never* make use of (thankfully).

But I digress, not opening that can of worms again... Lol.

 

i wish you could too, then i could stop battling with john

 

It likely be like the Bolt if Toyota was willing to pay for the changes required to the platform for a battery under the cabin. If not, it would be like the Golf or Focus Elective with batteries stuck wherever they can fit.

Both show their front engine ICE legacy. Unlike Tesla's and VW's new platform that take full advantage of the EV architecture.

The bits are buried in the reveal threads with the clues on it being Japan centric. I spelled it out at least once. Didn't make a difference.

 

Telling me, rather than the person complaining, is helpful how ?

 

Because you are lying.

Your lack of moral character is why you don't know why.

So, a shoe box will fill up the hatch, then. What size shoes are those, exactly?

 

Why the need to resort to calling one of the most modest contributors here a liar or "lack(ing) of moral character"?

 

Because it's the truth - saying a shoe box will fill up the cargo area is a lie. And not understanding my objection to lying shows a lack of moral character.

I loathe liars.

 

Half of the residents in Japan take over 10 hours to charge a Prime from flat, and can't support level 2. This made the cost of putting CHAdeMO into design worthwhile. The same for the PV roof with a $3000 price for the option sellable. People say they want these features in the US, but few would be willing to pay for them considering gas prices and home charging ability.

I mention that as evidence that Japan was Toyota's main focus for the Prime, which isn't unreasonable. Cars are driven fewer miles there, and I think at lower speeds than in the US. I believe Toyota originally sized the battery more for Japanese car use, and that battery was packaged like the one in the PiP.

So no major loss of hatch space compared to the Prius, and maybe a middle rear seat. Which meant a shorter EV range, and maybe no full EV performance. Upon seeing it, Toyota USA cried it won't sell here, and they were left scrambling to get a bigger battery into the car, which is why the back has a conversion appearance.

 

peace brother, it's just a chat forum. we all have different opinions. i apologize if i upset you, all the best!

 

Hello to several familiar names. It has been a long while since I have been on this forum.

Well .... I took a long, careful look at the Tesla 3. Eventually my "want" was curbed by the lack of quality control. Too bad, I think the engineers designed a fine automobile. Unfortunately, based on numerous reports, the assembly of the 3 is lacking. Hopefully, the day will come soon when the QC issues can be brought under control.

As some of you will recall ... the exterior appearance of the G4 Prius completely killed any and all interest I had in the Prius. I thought the design of the Prime was a major improvement over the Prius, but it just does not have sufficient EV range to interest me.
BTW, pictures I've seen of the 2019 Prius suggest to me that Toyota may be coming back from the design failures of the G4.(an opinion)

I for one was disappointed that Toyota is not providing more EV range in the 2019 Prime. Here in the west the distances are just too great to consider the limited range. Fortunately .... I have not reached the "need" for a new car yet, so I'll continue to drive my excellent 2015 Avalon Hybrid. Wonderful car!!