Sneak Peak of the New Prius #7 - Solar A/C Confirmed?

[drewtiss]

Yeah! Even cooler with an A/C

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by spwolf

indeed... it is just like all the new smaller vehicle smart entry keys (Yaris, Auris)... Rav4 here gets upscale version, similat to this one (upscale Corolla in Thailand)

Our RAV4 just got SKS as standard equipment for the Limited models (both 4 and 6 cylinder) for 2009. The 2009 Corolla LE gets it as standard equipment as well (Canada only). Yaris doesn't get it yet but we do get heated mirrors added on.

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by Blue

As I've been spending 5-10 minutes every morning for the past couple weeks scraping frost off my windows, while my ICE is running and heating up the car interior, I would have to say that remote A/C startup makes a lot of sense.

I would suggest you spend a few bucks on a windshield cover (look for "car snow/ice windshield").

Put it on when you leave the car, remove it when you return and put it in the back. No snow or ice on the window. No wasting gas and polluting while you idle and scrape for 5 - 10 minutes. You did buy your Prius for reduced gas usage and/or reduced pollution, right? Not to mention idling is illegal in some places.

I have a heavier one for the front that is held on by closing the 'tabs' in the doors. I also have a nylon sno-shield for the back. I'm not as fond of the sno-shield because you have to hook the elastic bands together inside the car. Not TOO bad on the back, but I bet it would be a PITA trying to put it on the front with the wind whipping it around.

You can also use them in the summer to keep the heat OUT rather than using an inside shield that reflects the heat back to the windshield. Then you wouldn't need that A/C button on the new cheesy looking fob.

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by chich2000

It could be that the solar A/C is confirmed, but regardless if this is the new fob it look extremely cheap, and like it was put together in a day. It will not be as nice looking as the current one. I hate when the downgrade on something like this when it's suppose to be an upgrade to a new and fresh model. There should not be a downgrade in quality.

Exactly the thought I was going to post. The current fob is sleek. This new one looks cheap. I'm ASSUMING we are looking at the key sticking out, the covers aren't seamless like the current fob. The exposed buttons aren't as nice as the current 'soft' rubber covered buttons. I don't even leave the split ring on my fob since I attach nothing to it. I don't need the butt end of the key sticking out.

I disagree with Pat's comment that the buttons are reversed though. Mine are lock, unlock, panic, just as shown in the image. Maybe the Australian fob has them reversed from the U.S. fob??

And I REALLY hope this doesn't mean they are adding a 'Run the A/C to cool the car' button. There is no better way to waste energy (gas OR electricity) than having the A/C run to cool the car when it is 160 F inside and 90 F outside. Roll the windows down and drive for a couple of minutes to equalize the temp, THEN run the A/C if you need to cool further. If they want to do something, give the fob a 200 meter range to lower all the windows as you walk to the car.

[carz89]

Originally Posted by bruceha_2000

E
And I REALLY hope this doesn't mean they are adding a 'Run the A/C to cool the car' button. There is no better way to waste energy (gas OR electricity) than having the A/C run to cool the car when it is 160 F inside and 90 F outside. Roll the windows down and drive for a couple of minutes to equalize the temp, THEN run the A/C if you need to cool further. If they want to do something, give the fob a 200 meter range to lower all the windows as you walk to the car.

I disagree about the waste of energy. Driving, operating, and maintaining nuclear powered warships, I've dealt with energy every day for 19 years, lots of energy from many sources and stored in many ways. Energy efficiency is near and dear to my heart.

Here's my view: I look at wasted energy as excess energy that isn't necessary to accomplish the goal. If the goal is to cool off the car interior to a much more comfortable level before you get in and roast your body, then the energy necessary to accomplish that task isn't a waste of energy. The solar panels on the roof are just there to collect free energy, anyway. Before you get inside the car, you can run the blower for a few minutes (without A/C), then the A/C on full blast for a couple more minutes, using very little energy, but cooling the car off dramatically.

So, I guess the concept of "wasted energy" can be subjective, depending upon what you are trying to achieve and how you go about achieving it.

[RobH]

Putting a Prius in READY mode uses far less energy that idling a conventional car. The Prius engine only runs when it is needed, and stops when it is not. So the Prius may idle for a while when started in a cold environment, but once it gets to operating temperature the engine stops. You're going to use the energy required to reach operating temperature regardless of when you start it.

Idling a conventional car does use a lot of energy. Putting a Prius in READY mode is significantly different. It would save a lot of energy if conventional cars would turn off the engine the way the Prius does (even without the battery technology).

[essaunders]

Any word on where #8 will be posted? Or if we'll even see something this week?

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by essaunders

Any word on where #8 will be posted? Or if we'll even see something this week?

It's posted. It's a pic of the headlights at night.