Some insider notes on the 2017 Prius Prime

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).

 

I was thinking more of the two-tiered approach (10mph/25mph limits) vs. the 31mph limit of the Gen 2

 

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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

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.