No heated seats?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Dec 13 2006, 07:56 PM) [snapback]362012[/snapback]</div>

I would guess that not being able to blow warm (>75 degree F) air when the outside temps drop below freezing is one reason why heat pumps are not used on passenger cars. There is a range of temps where the coefficient of performance is still well above 1.0 (meaning the amount of heat it moves is greater than the energy it consumes), but it's not blowing warm air. People like their heaters to blow warm air.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Dec 14 2006, 08:14 AM) [snapback]362098[/snapback]</div>

Good point. Probably wouldn't make since on hybrids as they are now, but as they head towards more pure elctrical operation (as I think they probably will), it might make more sense, and all of the pieces are basically there.

 

We have sheepskins on the leather seats in our package 8 2006 Prius with the black interior. The sheepskins are MUCH more comfortable in the hot summer here in Sacramento AND much more comfortable in the winter as well.

Though I would also LOVE both heated and ventilated seating a la Lexus.

In my 2007 Camry Hybrid, there are heated seats and they are nice, but NOT ventilated, so I got a add on cushion/backrest with a ventilation fan built-in. That works OK for the hotter summertimes, though it is not all that attractive in the car.

In a previous car with heated seats in a dark color, we added sheepskins which muted the heating process in winter a bit, but sure made those seats MUCH more comfortable in the heat of our valley summers.

George in Sacramento

 

As someone who lives in NJ I think I can say you really don't need heated seats. Cloth isn't nearly as cold as leather and warms up quickly to your body heat.

Of course I go to the gym at 5:30AM in shorts when it's 0 degees F and it doesn't bother me...much. Your results may vary.