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Revisiting small 12v heater discussion

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by markabele, Jan 26, 2015.

  1. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Anyone have direct experience with the small heaters they sell that can be plugged into the 12v plug?

    Obviously these are going to do next to nothing at very cold temps. But I'm wondering if they could just do enough when temps are in the 30's and 40's to make the vehicle comfortable with proper attire.

    Thinking specifically of the ones that RoadPro makes.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    My thoughts? Burn a few ounces of fuel to warm up the car instead. The math does not work for using 12V power to warm up the car to any noticeable amount.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    someone posted trying two at a time with no effect. usbseawolf maybe?
     
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Probably better off investing in heated clothing (motorcycle/snowmobile stuff) like glove liners, vest, etc.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    do those plug into the power tap? i wouldn't mind heated gloves.
     
  6. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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  7. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Hopefully he will come on here and tell us about his experience.
     
  8. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    I have one of the 12v heaters that I used in my first boat (19' cuddy cabin).... it was USELESS.

    Thankfully in my current boat I have heat and a/c :D
     
  9. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    What wattage?
     
  10. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    It was either 200 or 300 watts. I want to say 300w because it kept blowing fuses until I just hard wired it directly to the battery.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm wrong, he tried a dehumidifier for the window fogging, no go.
     
  12. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I bought one those red heat light bulbs and I was going to try using it overnite inside the car to see if it heated up the interior. I was going to solar power it, off some old 12v batts and inverter, so I got a like a low power 40-watt bulb. But I got discouraged, have not tried it yet. I was also going to try it under the car for mini EBH.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    40 watts? that sounds discouraging.:cool:
     
  14. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Driving a car, heater off, wearing heated clothing, so that the car gets a few more yards per gallon.

    And they say the gods must be crazy...
     
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well, we aren't all in calgary.:p
     
  16. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    The OP has a PIP; do those not have the option to preheat the cabin when plugged in, like the volt can, for example?
     
  17. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Quit being a troll!

    You do realize you aren't contributing anything worthwhile to the conversation only criticizing, correct? But even if you don't, please spare us your worthless posts. (I encourage your worthwhile posts, however.)
     
  18. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Does the Volt have that? Good OK that's what I was thinking too... if the car is plugged in gimme cabin heat, engine block heater, and 12v battery tender options (eg; after the EV batt is full).
     
  19. -Rozi-

    -Rozi- Member

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    Pre-production PiP had a feature to pre-heat the cabin while plugged in: a heat pump or something. I had a privilege to borrow one in the winter. It was a very nice feature. Didn't need seat warmers at all. Unfortunately, it was removed in production model due to weight and cost reduction.
    As I mature, I am starting to agree with GregP507 that burning some small amount of fuel to heat the cabin probably consumes less resources and produces less waste for the same heating effect than electricity.

    The story goes the same with a block heater probably. It all depends how "clean" and cheap your electricity can get.

    At least, PiP does tender 12V battery while plugged in. See the results of my measurements in another thread here.

    Sorry for being off topic.

    People that convert their old cars to EV here use a household fan heater (230V) and wire it to the charging inlet.
    The problem with PiP and J1772 in general is that EVSE cuts power when car is done charging. So if you hook up a 110V device to charging inlet you'll get power only while charging. One would need to make a proxy ECU and insert it between PiP and EVSE. Hmmm, sounds like a project!!! Damn my day has only 24hrs... :cry:
     
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  20. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    I got one from Harbor junk (freight) - and it's somewhat ok.
    [​IMG]

    But the thing is, as most junk from cheep Chinese manufacturers, it is sorely lacking in quality. They use such a thin cord on it - I fear how warm it gets - the cord that is .... Not as worm as the heater, but JEEZ, do they really have to cut corners just to make a few extra pennies of profit? I suppose I could always sit on the cord - but the seat heaters do so well, that it's not necessary.
    :D
    .
     
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