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Craziest thing I have been told while driving my Plug In Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by davidbw, Apr 30, 2013.

  1. davidbw

    davidbw Member

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    Earlier today I went to a Costco fill up my gas tank. Someone noticed the cover and opening for the electric charging port and said "It is nice that Toyota made the Prius, so you can fill it up from both sides." I was to stunned to explain how one port is for gasoline and the other is for electricity.
     
  2. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    That's the problem with most EVs, the lack of educating is creating this 'fear factor', it's something I'm personally trying to fight for, and am sure others here are as well. Then again, there are trucks out where with dual fuel tanks, so I guess the reasoning wasn't too far fetched.
     
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  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    That is really amusing on one hand but really sad on the other. It goes to show how clueless the typical American is when it comes to hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

    I hear similar comments at work. I am not sure it is because the auto industry has not done a very good job of educating the public or the public just does not care enough to learn. Like most things in life, I am guessing it is a little of both.

    I know from experience that the sales people at the dealerships do not help the situation. I am not sure they understand.
     
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  4. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    While on the subject of getting gasoline at Costco, I have been stuck behind a large pickup, and when the driver finally finished filling up the tank and I was getting ready to move up the line, he put the nozzle into the other tank. :(
     
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    That's one thing with the plug in Prius; to any average Joe it looks like a regular Prius and not a unique plug in even with the slight differences Toyota made being silver door handles, front and rear silver 'stripe', unique rims etc. Then you have the completely oblivious people who think that a car has a fill up for fuel on each side of the car.
     
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  6. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That directly addresses the fear factor. Stealth has proven advantageous in the past. Why not with the plug too?
     
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  7. SJ PiP

    SJ PiP Member

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    there are still some that think a regular non-plug hybrid requires a plug!
     
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  8. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Some of us like our cars to stand at as different. It's all personal preference.
     
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  9. babybird

    babybird Member

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    This kind of reminds me of the Chevy Volt commercial last year that showed the guy at the gas station for a bathroom break and everyone kept saying "I thought these were electric and don't use gas".

    There are lots of misconceptions out there, and I don't think most of them will go anywhere until people actually drive an electrified car.
     
  10. Ken Blake

    Ken Blake Active Member

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    I've had a gas station attendant spot the EV filler door and wave me off to the other side of the pump, thinking that was the fuel door.
     
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  11. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    As an Oregonian, I guess you are used to explaining to out-of-staters what this thing "gas station attendant" is. :)
     
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  12. Ken Blake

    Ken Blake Active Member

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    As a TRANSPLANTED NEW YORKER, I find it VERY frustrating not being able to pump my own gas! Particularly when I had to worry about the 600WHP Supra cracking piston ring lands if the attendant messed up and put 87 octane in the tank instead of 92.

    I am NOT a fan of big brother, or subsidized welfare, both of which are in play in that policy that requires attendants to pump your gas in OR and NJ.
     
  13. SLOW_RR

    SLOW_RR Member

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    Aw heck... Some of us are old enough, no matter where we live, to remember them kids! They were usually high school kids who would come over and ask if you wanted Ethel or High Test, then offer to check your oil. They would then put the fill spout in the tank opening and lock er open. While they waited they would then clean all the windshields with a sponge and a squeegie thingie. Never forget my first VW bug when an older attendant wanted to check the oil, I said sure and he proceeded to open up the front trunk. Had the darndest confused look on his face until I informed him the putt putt motor was on the other end of the car.

    I was at a chainsaw sales and repair place picking up my old chainsaw today and the owner never heard me drive in (EV mode). He was working on a mower assembly (an electric) on the tailgate of his pickup truck. I got out of the car and slammed the door hard and he jumped about 10 feet. I showed him that the PiP appeared to have a fill door on both sides. Then opened the electric door... Should have seen the look on his face. He was very interested in the car as he is sold on the whole concept of EVs, PHEVs (just had never seen one up close) and electric powered equipment (He sells WORX electric mowers, chain saws and snow blowers). Had a bunch of questions about how the car worked.

    It is up to each of us the explain and promote! :);)
     
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  14. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Went through the same thing when I first got the PIP. The look on the attendant's face was priceless.
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would like a nice 'plug in hybrid' decal for my rear bumper.:(
     
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  16. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Stick on letters from K-Mart? :D
     
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds kinda cheesy.(n)
     
  18. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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  19. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    All in the eye of the beholder! :D
     
  20. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Oh I get it Wisconsin, Cheesy! Ha! good one. (y)