1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Some insider notes on the 2017 Prius Prime

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

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2003
    7,093
    2,099
    1,174
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    The PriusChat team in New York had a great opportunity to have dinner last night with Toyota's engineering team from Japan behind the Prius Prime plug-in. Here are some insider nuggets from the conversation last night. Special thanks for @Tideland Prius for pulling this all together.

    2016-03-22.jpg

    1. Battery is 2x capacity and will fit under the rear seat + cargo area
    2. Cargo floor will be a bit higher than 4G w/ spare
    3. 4-seat configuration with rear center console storage box and cup holders. There will be material in between the seat backs so cargo will stay in the cargo area
    4. 60-70% of the hybrid stuff is shared with 4G, the rest is Prime specific.
    5. PCU looks the same but internals are different for better reliability.
    6. Charge time is 2.1-2.5 hours for Level 2 and 5.5 hours for Level 1 (110V charge time confirmed by Nathan Kokes). No CHAdeMO.
    7. New 3.3kW onboard charger
    8. New twin motor driving experience in C-D mode. It utilises both MG1 and MG2 for propulsion if the MG's rpms are high enough resulting in a more BEV-like driving experience. This includes full acceleration from 0. Yes, the engine stays off!
    9. Total net weight gain is 30kg over 100kg
    10. Carbon fibre hatch is one reason for the lower weight gain. It's a SMC carbon fibre material.
    11. Weight distribution is 53:47 (better than 4G because of the heavier battery.)
    12. Extra weight outside of the axles meant that the car was, according to Japanese journalists, "meatier" to drive. I took it to mean it's more tossable and more lively.
    13. Kept the same driving dynamics as 4G but steering feel has a more "luxury" tune to it. Steering ratio remains the same.
    14. All external lights are LEDs except reverse lamp (but Nathan said all LEDS including reverse lights in the walk around video)
    15. 15" standard on US models. Only Japan gets optional 17". But he said if you know the specs, you can just swap out the wheels yourself. It's not one of those structural excuses they gave us for 3G. It literally just had to do with lower AER and mpg if they offered 17". Size is 195/65R15.
    16. Solar panel roof for charging HV battery is available everywhere ... except US.
    17. It's quieter than the 4G with additional sound deadening materials
    18. There will be a CHARGE mode like the Sonata PHEV so you can charge the car on the fly.
    19. There will be the same choices for EV or HV mode as Gen 1 PiP.
    20. There's a secondary heater that can maintain cabin temperature until about -10°C. Below that, they said it's better to burn fuel.
    21. 11.6" high definition centre display with dual screen capability.
    22. Different center console trim (same design)
    23. The dimple in the rear window and spoiler improves aerodynamics and Cd is TBD.
    24. The designer really wanted that dip in the spoiler and glass as a design element.
    25. The rear spoiler is a touch longer.
    26. Same ground clearance as 4G
    27. Blue Magnetism Metallic is the name of that blue at the press launch.
    28. No wireless charging for HV battery until a standard is agreed upon.

     
    #1 Danny, Mar 23, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 6, 2016
  2. Jeff N

    Jeff N The answer is 0042

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2010
    2,382
    1,304
    0
    Location:
    California, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Chevy Volt
    Did they mention something about a clutch that enables dual EV motor mode?
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,533
    48,842
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    thanks danny and tideland!

    quieter than the 4g, that's saying something.
     
  4. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2003
    7,093
    2,099
    1,174
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I think we'll have some more technical information about that from the Chief Engineer soon.
     
  5. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2009
    5,850
    4,017
    0
    Location:
    Westminster, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    What does this mean? If you fold the seats down, it's not a big flat area?
     
  6. Jeff N

    Jeff N The answer is 0042

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2010
    2,382
    1,304
    0
    Location:
    California, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Chevy Volt
    Soon as in the Chief Engineer is doing a presentation at the NY Auto Show today or soon as in the next few months?
     
  7. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    1,072
    405
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Wth, Solar Roof charging the HV battery everywhere except US?!?! Holy crap...why do they do this to us...
     
    wowhybrid, Dylan Doxey and Tracksyde like this.
  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,595
    3,768
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Battery TMS?
     
  9. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,595
    3,768
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Not trying to spread FUD, just concerned: Will a good case of freeway bumper tag (when you get tagged on both the front and rear) possibly total the car because of the CF hatch? Especially after a couple years when the initial depreciation has lowered values.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,533
    48,842
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    probably.
     
  11. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I think I kind of like that dimple in the hatch window and spoiler.
    Now when someone tailgates a Prius Prime, it stare's back like it's angry.

    I'm concerned...or maybe just curious about these points...

    Typically, IMO a heavier vehicle is not more tossable and more lively. I'm somewhat concerned that "meatier" and "luxury" tuned could be code for....a more sluggish feel.

    But that's something that can probably only be ascertained once the vehicle can actually be driven. So I'm willing to wait for feedback.

    Overall it's impressive. Looks like Toyota is pushing the envelope with this incarnation.

    Also....
    That's disappointing. Why not available in the US? They gave us the "air recirculation" solar roof in the Gen 3? I think a solar panel roof that actually helped charge the HV battery would be very welcomed in the USA. I would wonder what Toyota's thinking is in NOT offering it to US consumers.
     
    Dianem and Dylan Doxey like this.
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,533
    48,842
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    does 'anywhere but the u.s. mean canada? i'm up for a road trip.:cool:
     
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  13. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2006
    21,566
    11,189
    0
    Location:
    eastern Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    The structural parts of a carbon fiber bicycle can be repaired; some even DIY. The hatch isn't a structural component. Carbon fiber is going to start showing up in more cars. The repair of shops that can repair it will increase, and the cost to do so will go down.
    Likely because of cost. In Japan, with high fuel and electric prices, a higher cost for the option could be justified. Same with much of Europe, or the cost isn't much for those willing to pay the import tax for the car.

    In the US, gas and electric is cheap in most places. The price for a curved PV with required electronics was likely too high for this market.

    Canada won't get it because of the latitude.:)
     
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  14. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    They can charge whatever they want. I'm assuming it's an option wherever it's available. I just think a lot of consumers in the US would be very interested in a solar panel that charged the HV battery. I remember threads where people wanted to "mod" the Gen 3 solar roof to do that very thing. Don't remember anyone being successful in doing so.

    I really can't imagine the solar roof that charges the HV battery would be all that more expensive than the solar roof that ran the re-circulation system in the Gen 3.

    I think you build and offer the best machine you can. Gas prices are "temporarily" low in the US, but that doesn't mean I want to accept an inferior option choice pallet.
     
    Bay Stater likes this.
  15. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    3,159
    988
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    That is friggin' nice. I want one. The only thing I don't like is the four seater thing.
     
    JerryCS likes this.
  16. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    1,072
    405
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Ok ok all - what are the chances that there is a version with a 5th seat on the way? Is this something we might find or would have to wait another 5-6 years for the next gen.

    If the Pacifica Plugin is priced right we may see a whole new fight.

    I'm disappointed because I was going to buy the PP (hmmm...that doesn't work) but the 5th seat issue such a deal breaker. Isn't the Gen IV a little wider than the Gen 3? lol Wth...there's no battery there. Why o' why...
     
    Dianem and bisco like this.
  17. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2009
    5,850
    4,017
    0
    Location:
    Westminster, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Yeah...the back seat should have been the same as the lift back with the battery underneath it and the battery should have extended into the hatch area if necessary - the same place as the hybrid battery in G2 and G3. Toyota really screwed up here.
     
    Dianem likes this.
  18. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2006
    21,566
    11,189
    0
    Location:
    eastern Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Someone did do a solar roof on a gen1. It took up the entire roof.

    The area of PV needed to run the 12volt blower or maintaining the starter battery is tiny compared to what you would need to put a measurable amount of range into the pack. Anything less, and it is just a gimmick. These are panels that need to contour to the roof, and with start at a higher price because of that.

    Toyota already paid the price to develop this, but offering and servicing it in a market carries its own price. As a for profit, I'm sure Toyota did the research, and ran the numbers, and simply decided that cost was too high for the few extra sales it might gain. Or they are still upset about WW2.:) Nothing says this can't become available at a later date.

    A solar powered blower for recirculating the cabin air of a parked car would be nice on any model in summer. Shame they dropped it, and it would reduce the heat pump load for cooling.
     
    Dianem likes this.
  19. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm just asking for "availability". (Solar Roof-HV Battery Charging)
    It seems to me, simply making it available would be something highly adaptable. If they don't sell? Then reduce the amount being imported.
    But make them available...at whatever cost they deem necessary to do so.

    Available Anywhere BUT the US?
    That chosen exclusion just seems odd.
     
  20. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,595
    3,768
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Many times that means not available in N. America but in case it really is just the USA, one could try importing from Canada or maybe get the parts from there.