Prius to Alaska

welcome!
we have alaskan members with no complaints. but i don't know how far north.
gen 4 with li=on batteries seem to be a bigger concern, i think canada gets a battery heater.

all the best!

 

We have lots of Canadians here and it's not that different there. All cars do poorly in weather that cold.

Welcome to PC and thanks for your service!!

 

Studded nokians, a heated garage, good to go.

 

Snow tires for sure. Block heater a major plus. Also good to wire it up with some kind of indicator lamp that you can see from inside, so you know the block heater is running. Don't let the extension cord melt its way into the ice, you won't get it back until May.

I grew up there, but that was before hybrid cars were a thing.

 

First, let me echo Jerry's comment -- thanks for your service.

Here's a great thread -- especially note Tideland Prius's posts and links in the thread.
Cold Weather, Battery Life, Vehicle Life | PriusChat

This is from KSAT News:

Michalis Kotzakolios, who has written several articles on hybrids for FirstKnowThis.com, points out that the thermal management systems used in hybrid car batteries keep them from experiencing performance issues from cold temperatures.

"Although there is a slight loss in battery capability while the hybrid car batteries reach operating temperature, this slight loss is undetectable in full hybrids such as the Prius," Kotzakolios said.

Hybridcars.com did report a Prius in Barrow, Alaska, suffered a frozen and damaged battery pack at minus-56 degrees, but it's doubtful a traditional battery would have performed much better in that temperature.

The Electric Auto Association says the perception that hybrids perform worse in colder temperatures is true, but that also applies to all vehicles. And hybrids still have an internal-combustion engine.

Since the temperature outside is lower, the engine's fluids takes longer to warm up, which means it takes longer for a car to run at its most optimum level, which means fuel economy will suffer.

Tire pressure also falls during cold, winter months, sapping fuel economy. Cold weather can also affect hybrids because running the defroster will keep the hybrid from shutting down the gas engine when a car is stopped at a light.

 

Welcome to PC. Just did search on buyatoyota.com. There seems to be only one Toyota dealer in Fairbanks. They do sell Prius (Gen4) and other hybrid models, so they must be usable in their climate. Good luck on your relocation, and thank you for your service.
New 2018 Cars, Trucks, & SUVS for Sale | Toyota Dealer | Kendall Toyota of Fairbanks

 

Just to add-

For those driving to, from and within Alaska, get yourself signed up with The Milepost. No better resource for trip planning and road info in Alaska and NW Canada.

 

2 words

Grill block.

 

Welcome aboard! Sorry to hear your heading to Squarebanks... hehe, just kidding. Went university there but at that time I had a 69 Bronco and an 84 Toy pickup. They did fine but I must say driving on tires with a frozen flat spot is something left to be desired. The coldest I ever saw during my time there was -56F. Once it goes below -20F it really doesn't matter.
I am now in the Anchorage area and have a garage. Absolutely adore my 2010 for the last 9 years (47 mpg ave).
If yours will be outside, like you said a block heater. Most people use the circulating type up there but the in block would probably be ok in not left for days on end. Replace your coolants for full strength if you haven't already.
With all that said, the temps have been on an upward trend and extended super cold periods are fewer.
Oh a windshield frost cover would be good too and hand-warmers. Pipe insulation to block the lower grill is really good idea not only for the cooling but also to keep the crud out.
Enjoy your ride!