Did you know the v has a Lithium battery while the Liftback has a nickel? All-New 2015 Toyota Prius: What We Know So Far
A different subject: Is anyone disappointed with the GPS? It doesn't recognize small rural places, even though they are on maps and Google. Has there been a map update? Toyota Canada told me by phone to expect software updates annually, but none so far, according to the dealer (after owning the car for over a year and a half). The Manual says that Harmon International made the GPS. Looks like they went for the economy data base.
Yes we have a Li-Ion battery situated in between the front seats, where you have a huge central console bin we have a 1-2" deep tray on top of the battery. The Li-Ion battery is physically smaller and lighter than the NmH battery and I read on one review that it's a slightly smaller capacity than the Gen3 Liftback, although it feels just as peppy due to the higher gearing of the final drive on the differential. The advantage we gain by having a lighter battery though is lost by having the weight of two more seats.