PRIUS C vs PRIUS PHV - Batteries, can anyone explain ??

Keep in mind that the only way you will substantial heat from the PiP is by burning gas. You don't get electric heating like the Volt or Leaf.

 

If the base iMiEV is meets your needs, it will be cheaper than the Leaf.

Unless you regularly run many errands after work, a NEV (the Zenn is one) is worth looking into. They have shorter ranges than a full EV. But smaller battery means less time recharging. Along with range, the lower top speed, and general low amount of extras means lower price, and should also mean lower insurance rates.

Sounds like you'll still need a real car for ranges beyond what the NEV can do. If you are considering a Prius PHV, a NEV and a Prius c should be in about the same price range as it. With the NEV used on your fuel economy killing commute, the second car will likely see the longer trips where economy can kept up. Even a fuel efficient new or lightly used ICE car is worth considering, because of that.

Because the Prius PHV doesn't currently have a pre-heat option, and will rely on the ICE for cabin heat, I think Toyota will wait to introduce it in Canada with its colder winters for at least a year.

Could the Volt work? With a fast charger, the cabin can be preheated with grid power. You shouldn't need to turn on the heat for your commute in at least. Then the ICE should should only turn on in subfreezing temps to keep the battery warm. With 3km to go, that might not even happen. For the ride home, the heated seats might be enough.

Granted the Prius PHV also has heated seats, which use of could keep the car in EV mode. The likely hood is that you are going to have to wait for it, though.

 

Not what you asked.. but have you considered a PlugIn COnversion for a Prius.. too bad you already sold your existing one. But something like the 10KW pack from Boulder Hybrid Conversions
with a forced EV mode might be a good match to your need. (But check if it can provided heat).

 

I just stumbled across the above article via a Google search while looking for something else. I wonder how many Prius techies missed the above page.

 

I didn't plan on it using EV mode at all. And I've only used the 'c' in EV mode while moving the car in and out of the garage.

But, when driving around town, (mostly slow going with stop & go),
it's running in EV mode about 60% of the total (city) mileage.

That sure makes it seem like being in EV a lot of the time, is a big part of getting good MPG.
When the SOC looks good, it's not unusual to be in EV mode up to 40 - 45 MPH..
It sure seems like this smaller lighter pack is doing a lot of work.

Is it strange to be getting so many EV miles in the city?
Is the pack cycling up and down, (relative to it's smaller scale) more in the 'c' than in other newer Prius models?

 

I think Prius c records EV mile if the gas engine is off. 40-45 mph is where ICE will stay off so it is not strange. In fact due to the improvements (in transaxle, optimal exhaust location and better EHR) Prius c can shut down the ICE more often than any other Prius (except the PHV of course).

Prius PHV can do 100% EV for such above city trip (12.8 miles, 22 mph average speed, 34 minutes).