Some insider notes on the 2017 Prius Prime

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Danny, Mar 23, 2016.

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  1. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    In the case of the Prime solar option, Toyota didn't think enough Americans would pay that $$$ to make offering it worthwhile.
     
    #301 Trollbait, Nov 5, 2016
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    That and the actual gain in mpg.

    I know we want the latest and greatest but I'm more than happy to let Toyota test things in Japan first and then we reap the benefits of the improved versions (like IPA/AGPS, DRCC, PCS etc. The only thing that didn't improve was the EV button but I think that was an EPA issue).
     
    #302 Tideland Prius, Nov 6, 2016
  3. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    I think the EV button was because they knew Americans wouldn't read the manual, and would end up wasting dealer time on 'fixing' broken EV modes.
     
    #303 Trollbait, Nov 6, 2016
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I was thinking more of the two-tiered approach (10mph/25mph limits) vs. the 31mph limit of the Gen 2
     
    #304 Tideland Prius, Nov 6, 2016
  5. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    The Ev limit on Gen 2 is 34mph. I know, since I use it all the time, including yesterday.
     
    #305 Lee Jay, Nov 6, 2016
  6. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    yep - even on the Prime I could hear US owners now; "hey! my prius'solar panel has been charging for 2 days now & all it shows is an extra ½ mile !! this thing is a rip off!

    .
     
    #306 hill, Nov 6, 2016
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    i remembered mine being 50km/h (31mph) but since it's been 7 months since we traded the Gen 2 in, I'll take your word for it.
     
    #307 Tideland Prius, Nov 6, 2016
  8. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    How would the solar panel work? What would it power?
     
    #308 CTorPrius?, Nov 9, 2016
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    solar panel roof is available in japan. it charges the hv battery.
     
    #309 bisco, Nov 9, 2016
  10. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    It must take a while to get charged up? But on the other hand, if you go camping over the weekend, you can drive both ways on EV!
     
    #310 CTorPrius?, Nov 9, 2016
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's just a little add on if you park in the sun a lot. there's a thread here with all the details.
     
    #311 bisco, Nov 9, 2016
  12. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Solar roof can't generate enough power. On the Gen III the solar roof only powers a fan to keep the interior cooled off. It doesn't charge the battery.
     
    #312 Rebound, Nov 9, 2016
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    this is a bigger, state of the art panel.
     
    #313 bisco, Nov 9, 2016
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The solar roof option on the Prime (not yet available in the US) finally allows the car to be charged with solar power.

    Toyota estimates an average of 2-3km/day (over the entire year) with a maximum of 6km/day (best case scenario... cloudless day, no shade, long days).

    It also charges the 12V accessory battery while the car is driving (like the LEAF) so it's not dead weight when you're driving.
     
    #314 Tideland Prius, Nov 9, 2016
  15. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    I want this feature!
     
    #315 CTorPrius?, Nov 11, 2016
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Buy a Gen 3? lol.

    Although the Prius Prime does come with Remote A/C via remote fob (which we haven't figured out if it includes heating as well if it's not plugged in).
     
    #316 Tideland Prius, Nov 11, 2016
  17. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    Why wouldn't it default to whatever temperature you have it set at before? A/C is one function that is separate from temperature control.
     
    #317 CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016
  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    For the 3rd generation, it will not work if the interior temperature is cooler than the set temperature (I seem to recall a 20°C/68°F threshold for interior temperature). If you tried to use the Remote A/C function, it'll turn on then turn off once it figures out the interior is cool enough.


    The Solar Panel Ventilation System will work all year, however. I actually had it run (albeit for 1-2 seconds at a time) in near freezing temps in the spring because the March sun is strong enough to warm up the interior and provide power to the panels. You mostly just hear a gurgle and the fans spin barely past mid speed then turn off. Of course at that time, you want it off anyway since the sun heats the interior and you'd want to keep the heat in, rather than vent it out.
     
    #318 Tideland Prius, Nov 14, 2016
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  19. ttait

    ttait Active Member

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    There is one thing that is a very minor annoyance to me. The front passenger seat is treated like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. No Power and no lumbar support. I can understand no power to save (a little) weight, but no adjustable lumbar support. I'm sure I'll hear more about this one from my wife.
    On the other hand, MY seat is very comfortable. ;)
     
    #319 ttait, Nov 14, 2016
  20. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    Simple solution - make her drive.
     
    #320 Lee Jay, Nov 14, 2016
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