Two battery choices for Gen4

Bob Wilson

 

Too many models and too many power options could confuse potential customers who don't care to do homework just to buy a car. Add to this the impossibly informed car salespeople out there already adding to the fud and confusion and I can see this backfiring. Is this possibly a Toyota marketing dept. response to the GM leaks about the Volt II's choice in range options?

I, for one, wish the menu to be simpler. Give us a killer conventional hatchback model with a few options in interior and tech appointments (which is even now a big list with the GenIII's). With up to four main models of Prii now, I can't see further branching of all-wheel drive and battery options along with model levels as a sensible strategy. Sorry -- too damn complicated. How could dealers ever keep a realistic stock on hand?

 

In contrast, I want a web page where I can build my car with exactly the options desired. Freeze the order and pay the dealer 10% to have it built and shipped. By options, I mean everything from the factory to the regional 'crap' to the dealer bling. Most important, I don't want adaptive cruise control, lane following, and collision avoidance or any other safety feature tied to anything but the base model.

Bob Wilson

 

I like the idea of a battery choice. Given the great and proven long- term reliability of the nickel metal hydride battery, for those of us who do not need the increased power or range of lithium ion, it is a good choice. I have read of some concerns about power storage ability decreasing over many recharge cycles in lithium ion. My Gen2 went over 150k with no problems, and my Gen3 is at 50k and hopefully will hit 200k before I replace it. Reliability is everything to me and Prius has never disappointed.

 

I buy cars through internet sales. I pay the best price available. Paying a uniform 10% to the dealer eliminates competition and that's a loser.

 

it's just nice to know that toyota is planning 'something'. more mpg's sound good to me.

 

They are planning fuel cells, since those will be best power for killer robots to fight godzilla.

But I think we should see a greater range in the next phv, now due at the end of 2016.

Better handling, and an improved dash are more key then 55mpg versus 50 mpg for the prius

 

you think the handling and dash are inhibiting sales?

 

Yes, I bought in spite of these things, but there are more choices in 2015 The difference between 55 mpg and 50 mpg is only 180 gallons every 100,000 miles. The difference between a 50 mpg prius and a highly efficient corrola eco (35mpg) is 850 gallons in the same distance, and that corrola is more eficient than what most people buy. Those few extra mpg won't pull that much of the market.

 

The dash was a negative for me, first time Prius shopping.

Wish list:

1. Put the instruments in front of the driver, not the middle of the dash.
2. Tach and coolant temp.
3. More conventional display components, readable in bright sunlight.
4. Individual buttons for vent modes, easy to see with minimum away from road distraction.

 

i would be more interested in an exit poll of people who bought something else for those reasons than people who bought in spite of them we all have our 'recommendations' for toyota.

 

This is no different than the multiple car models offering more than one engine and transmission combination.

 

point taken. don't think anyone has that data.

 

1. I like the display where it is. When I drive a rental I feel like I'm taking my eyes off the road to look down near the steering wheel.
2. I used to like a tach and temp too. But then I've NEVER "needed" it on a Prius...interested, yes. But I've never overheated a Prius nor worried that I over revved it since the computer controls this...in 14 years and 4 different Prius models.
3. I don't know about more conventional...but better in bright sun -- YES.
4. I liked the 2001 Prius vent controls the best. Could be operated without looking. But then this doesn't work with steering wheels toggles as well

Mike

 

Things I think Toyota should consider changing on the Prius...

1) to fix the oil change access door so its hinged and do away with those flimsy plastic door tabs that fail.
2) the upholstery on the door arm rest and the middle floating console armrest made waterproof and more durable
3) LED lighting for the tray underneath the middle floating console. I want the controls on the
steering wheel and the side mirror controls to light up at night.
4) trade the EV button for a gas power only button to save HV power when the battery drops below 4 bars so
the driver can avoid having to recharge the HV battery with the ICE ( a lossy conversion).
5) a place somewhere on the dashboard to mount a GPS/dash cam/ScangaugeII 3rd party electronics via suction cup or clamp.
6) a more durable carpet with a thicker-tighter weave
7) an inexpensive open source hybrid diagnostic computer that can help independent auto mechanics in my area learn how to fix hybrids
8) a place in the rear passenger area for a trash can or bag that the kiddies can throw trash in.
9) automatic shutters on the air intake to help the car heat up faster in cold weather - no grill blocking required.
10) don't need satellite radio - so if SIRUS isn't paying you to have it you can lose it...
11) make LED headlights and taillights standard
12) make it easy to inspect and clean the air intake vent (behind the rear passenger seat) for the HV battery
13) make it easy to inspect, clean, replace the cabin Air conditioner filter
14) increase the power capacity of the 12 vac outlet so it can power a portable tire air compressor/pump
(change from 100w to 240w limit? upped the fuse from 15 amp to 30amp? )
15) add a 120vac fused electrical outlet that can supply electricity when the ICE is running.
16) make the lower part of the bumper air dams out of flexible rubber than bends when it hits the curb ... put
sensors on it that that tell the driver something has hit the lower part of the air dam.
17) use flat exterior paint that is easier to paint over - avoid using metallic (glitter) exterior paint

What I found really useful beyond the hybrid synergy display and drive train system...

1) the temporary spare tire and jack... used it four time already!
2) the hatchback cargo area and the rear cargo area cover(tonneau).
3) the bluetooth interface and hookup to the cellphone... hooray
4) a ScangaugeII ( connected to the Prius via the OBDII port)
5) a tire pump and tire pressure gauge

 

things i would NOT change on the gen IV:

1)

 

I've been accused of having unrealistic expectations on what should be added to a car model before, but the vast majority of your list are things that a VERY small minority would want that they can't buy aftermarket, and Toyota would lose their shirt offering them.

Those last two, though, take the cake. Seriously?

Sensors to tell you you've scraped the air dam? You already have them - one on each side of your head.

As for an all flat paint job, this ain't the 50s, and not too many 50s rodders are going to buy a Prius. If you want to paint over yours, try a proper prep job.

 

Most cars come withe multiple options. Like the Jetta for example, with a gasoline or turbo or diesel engine. In multiple sizes (anywhere from 1.4 to 2.5 liter). Also a hybrid option. And sedan versus hatchback.

I don't see why a Prius cannot offer a choice between different power options. If hybrids are meant to replace conventional car, then they need to have the same variety the customer desires.

 

This sounds fishy to me. What advantage would a lithium battery confer in a standard Prius that was worth going through the bother of producing a tremendous number of new combinations, and adding confusion at the point of sale?

I could potentially see them using the two different packs in different markets or even in different trim levels in order to allow them to reduce the price on base models and/or offer something distinguishing on the upper-tier models, but I can't see why this would be something they'd want customers to be able to specify.