PHV Release Date

Actually, it's just the extra weight that makes the car feel heavier. More weight in the back actually gives the Prius better front-to-rear balance.

Most people who drove the PHV test models found that their mileage in HEV mode was no worse, presumably in part becomes some of the other hybrid components have been beefed up and it improves mileage, which bodes will for future HEV models. Well, Wayne Gerdes at cleanmpg.com did find a drop of 3mpg, but, OTTOMH, that was just in the city and a drop from a typical mileage well above EPA. Out on the highway the weight's less important.

Sure, they could put it under the floor but it'd either be at the cost of the piggy in the middle or additional frontal area. Given that people can stick a Hymotion battery in the back of the Prius without ill effects, I think PHEV hatchbacks and sedans will, in general, put the meat of the battery in the rear until energy density increases to the point that they can move it to the front.

 

Prius+ has the lithium pack between the driver and passenger seats. The modular subpack design of Prius PHV can utilize that space too. It'll be exciting to find out what the production version will be like!

 

....lol