What is double the EV range worth?

Why don't you use the windshield only button? It is a separate button, not the one that you keep pressing to rotate modes.

 

Windshield only causes the ICE to run. I have to freeze my feet too if I want the windshield clear(ish).

 

Uuuuu! great idea - now why didn't I think of that? Bisco, you humble me.

 

right. i had a senior moment last week, why am i using the defrost/foot, when there is a separate defrost button? so i hit it, argh!

 

and here's another thought from someone with too much time on his hands, move the auto button away from the fan off button. how many times have i hit the auto button when all i wanted to do was shut the fan off?

 

bisco, nothing will ever be perfect, especially for those of us with senior-moment-itis.

 

you're right about that. don't get me wrong, i love my pip!

 

Not at you with you!

 

yes, that too. good thing it doesn't work over 50 mph.

 

1. Toyota estimated (according to demonstration fleet feedback) that two thirds of commute trips in Europe were travelled a distance of less than 12.5 mi (20.1 km), the expected all-electric range in EV mode. [1]

2. More battery weight equals more problems:
- Prius Plug-in already lost safety rating compared to conventional Prius by one star according to NHTSA. [2] Would you like to compromise your and your family's safety for more EV range?
- Plug-in's acceleration is slower compared to conventional Prius due to extra weight.
- Plug-in's suspension had to be redesigned to accommodate extra battery weight.
- Spare tire was dumped to get space and save weight...

I believe Toyota choose the smallest battery pack possible still providing 2/3 of people EV-only commuting. It's just a compromise that Toyota hopes would fit most commuters. Prius Plug-in was not designed as a substitute for EV vehicle, no matter how much we try to deceive ourselves.

I would definitely want more EV range, but not if I have to sacrifice safety, space, weight and performance for it. Although typically conservative decision of Toyota, I totally agree with it. We can expect better EV range out-of-the-box only as battery technology advance to pack more kWh in the same (or smaller and lighter) box.

 

1) 12.5 miles is my winter range. i have to recharge at work for half an hour for the 14 mile r/t.

2) i don't care about safety, but i know i'm in the minority. give me more range!

3) don't need better accelleration, how does the battery weight compare to 4 people in the car?

4)i'm fine with beefier suspension.

5) i would like the spare tyre back, mine is on the deck now.

6) i've been decieving myself most of my life.

7) what the heck are you driving anyway? looks like a bicycle.

 

Bisco! You don't fit into 2/3 of average people, Toyota is designing cars for.
Take it as a compliment, please.

 

of course! i'm just harrasing you.

 

-20°F this morning. I obviously had to run the engine. The 4-mile trip to the doctor ended up 56 MPG.

That's an extremely well thought out design as far as I'm concerned. The plug most definitely boosted MPG.

 

Makes me feel warm all over!
Enjoy your day!

 

3&4) Little by little the weight sums up and MPG decrease. I'm not after smoother and sportier ride either. I guess this is pretty much true for all Prii owners. However, I wouldn't buy a car beefed with batteries that handles like a tank.

5) You can have one back. That would decrease your EV range down to 2 miles when you trade in for a regular Prius.

7) Yes, I do ride a bicycle too and love it. I've ordered my PiP for Christmas. It's due for Easter, and the wait is taking forever. Otherwise I bet my preferred way of transportation would remain my Harley even after my PiP arrives.

 

Oh the wait! I waited about 6 months. It will be here soon!

 

if it were 20 below here, i'd probably be going to the doctor too, to have my head examined!

 

I rather wait this long and have a Toyota Made in Japan, than pay & drive away in Toyota Verso Made in Turkey. I'm a sucker for "Made in U.S.A./Japan/Germany" labelled stuff.