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Is there room for larger battery?

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by adric22, Feb 4, 2019.

  1. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    Since the Honda Clarity PHEV is now outselling the Prius Prime, I started to wonder if Toyota might try to up their game by putting in a larger capacity battery pack. I noticed when watching some of the Prius disassemblies, such as by Weber, it appears the standard Prius hides its battery under the rear seat, or somewhat maybe behind the rear seat cushion. The Prius Prime battery appears to be in a place that looks like it was convenient to stick it there without modifying the existing chassis much. But, ultimately, I get the impression there is a lot of unused space below the battery pack. Am I wrong? I haven't been able to confirm. I don't know if Toyota will be doing any changes, but I'm just curious if there is enough room for a larger battery?
     
    #1 adric22, Feb 4, 2019
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hey adrick, long time no see!
    good question, but how many kWh do you add to a phev before you should just make it a bev?

    yes, they can find more space for more cells, there is room under the battery, but it won't hold a square battery. and it won't likely be cheap, how many people are willing to pay 40k for a compact car? what happens when there's no tax credit?

    what are those clarity/prime numbers btw? i think there is more to clarity than ev range, but does it have heat pump?
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 4, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
  3. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    Well, I agree.. At some point it becomes illogical to have a large battery and an ICE. But, I think for Toyota to compete they should ideally increase the range almost double. But I think if they could at least increase it 50% so that the range is in the upper 30s, that would be okay.

    Let's assume the battery currently costs $3,000. I think that's a reasonable amount. I wouldn't even be surprised if it costs Toyota closer to $1,500 for the battery pack. But, just to be conservative, let's say the battery pack costs $3,000. If bumping it up 50% meant the car costs $1,500 more than before, I'd happily pay that. Granted, there comes a point where enough range is enough for a PHEV. The Prius isn't at that point, though.
     
    #3 adric22, Feb 4, 2019
    Rmay635703 and bisco like this.
  4. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    If the "game" is to sell more, what data is there to show larger capacity would raise demand?

    I envision Toyota rolling out a mid-cycle update with cell/stack arrangement for the pack altered to provide a better fit in the hatch area for greater cargo space. That may not increase capacity, but it wouldn't cause a price increase either.

    What if the "game" is to prepare Prius for a plug-in only approach instead?

    In that case, the smaller battery-pack would be better. Think about what people have in there garage for charging. If only a single circuit is available and it must be shared, the rate may be limited to 8-amp draw... which could requite 8 hours for a full recharge.

    More and more, it looks like Toyota is aiming for the masses, where their high-volume profitable seller is something in that regard. Prius would be a prime candidate for that. (I know, bad pun.) Reaching mainstream consumers is far more difficult than appealing to early-adopters.
    ​
     
    #4 john1701a, Feb 4, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
  5. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    #5 Rmay635703, Feb 4, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
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