Prius-II what's wrong with the Prius

[magna59]

As ever it a compromise....weather it be the journey you run compaired with the next mans or the deal that some car company has come to with some preditory oil company. I think we are luckey that Toyota pushed on to get it as good as it is....but there is more they can do. But if you look at the total self interest some companys show in how they buy up mass transit systems or only lease cars so they can take them back....Toyota has at least pushed the bar up some !!!!

[IrvingBocephus]

The 2010 manual says you cannot use a Prius to jumpstart another vehicle. I read a Cartalk article where Tom and Ray checked with Toyota in 2008 and said it could be done. Has anything changed that makes this true for 2010 or is it just Toyota lawyers doing the talking. It seems if you can jump a Prius from another car then you should be able to jump another car from a Prius. Thanks for the plugin info - not sure I want to tackle that myself, but maybe some shops may start doing it soon.

[frhotek]

well, he's right except the design was intended to test the concept and it barely qualifies for the federal rebates, tax incentives, and all. Still a money making effort was the plan. but as long as the car can go on the motor alone, we can rewrite the software; a challenge but not impossible...however, the series hybrid is a better configuration but you probably should start on another platform as this reconversion would be more work than it's worth!

[urbex2007]

Well said, that is why no one buys the Prius in the UK! Unless it is improved then they will stay firmly stuck in the past. Diesel technology has overtaken the prius 20 years ago.

[15725867905]

you're rong...the problem with the prius is that its a prius....An ugly piece of useless trash that make me wanna kill someone.

[himster22]

@15725867905 wow you're answer is so fucking smart, how old are you, 7?

[15725867905]

@himster22 haha no but i will say this, my wife almost bought one and instead ended up getting an H3, i hate that car too but hey, better than a prius

[erevofreak96]

i no whats wrong with it... EVERYTHING!!!

[GayBoyRunning]

hybrid car are just "Wanter Be's" to be clean but just cant get there to be clean

[vanquishman]

u kinda look like the guy from whale wars ahaha

[LOLDISNEYLAND]

hey old fart. Do you really expect full electric to even exist today after all the shit it has been through in the past? You should count your blessings that the Prius demonstrates hybrid i.e. electric assisted petrol engine. One day with better battery technology i.e. corporations not owning vital patents, we will see full electric. Ridicule the holders of the battery patents not companies that try to squeeze electric cars into the market as frankenstein hybrids.

[liveoilfree]

Toota (oops, meant "yoyota" bears a lot of the guilt for killing NiMH cars. They didn't have to suck the chevron slime, they could have stood up to Big Oil. But they were wimps. Yoyota sucks.

[LOLDISNEYLAND]

Do you honestly expect a car company to go against oil companies? They work hand in hand! I can't blame toyota for not promoting battery only vehicles. They aren't wimps, they just work with oil companies. Anyone can figure that out.

NiMH battery technology is a bit questionable hence why it isn't used for full scale production of cars. NiMH batteries wear significantly if discharge rates are too high and charge capacity is either too low or high.

[ZaoHuZhua]

@LOLDISNEYLAND Yes lets drive a piece of plastic around at 45mpg tops which battery is so complicated to make its almost as bad as an Abrams tank mpg. Than have it look hideous and ruin your pride. Or you could get a Volkswagen with 80mpg fully diesel fueled. Plus fully electric cars have been available for over 25 years.

[LOLDISNEYLAND]

You must be young or if not, you are very ignorant. A late model volkswagen has the equivalent amount of plastic as the prius. NiMH batteries are not complicated to make. They can be found everywhere! Toyotas battery system is built for durability and reclamation of energy. Electric cars have been available since the early 1900's and were the first motorised carriages ever made. Fossil fuel cars took hold of the market because of the increased range. Please dont make comments if you know nothing

[ZaoHuZhua]

Like I said OVER 25 years plus now a days you can't even have a good argument because you could just check it on Wikipedia which shows what you know. Nickel is mined in Canada then shipped and refined in Europe, now onto China which foams the product. Finally onto Japan where its made.

[gremlinextreme101]

directly quoting top gear which everyone else does too.

[ZaoHuZhua]

What does it matter where I am quoting from? If someone told you a fact about hurricanes and someone else says it does it make it false, of course not.

[gremlinextreme101]

Well the guys you are quoting did a prius efficiency test in which they somehow ended up driving it at 19 mpg. I actually went out and failed to get mpg like that so i dunno how true this might be.

[ZaoHuZhua]

Well it was an older model.

[jaredernico]

@LOLDISNEYLAND LOLDISNEYLAND? Old fart? You really sound like someone who is informed.

[anotherlookmedia]

I can't wait until the big car companies actually stick it to the oil companies and make full electric cars. It is that simple. Great video.

[pikapikarchu]

I have no problems with my prius.

30 bucks a month isnt that bad at all.

[moaski]

Every Prius sold (other than in the North American market) has a button to the right of the steering wheel that allows the driver to choose between the internal combustion engine only or full electric drive only.

It seems that plug-in conversions in the States should be able to take advantage of this built-in system fairly easily, hence defeating another Prius pitfall?

[liveoilfree]

There is a kit to add this button. The problem is the Prius computer turns on the engine at 34 mph; there are two motors, but the controller on the second is too small, so it's difficult to convert to a serial hybrid.

[moaski]

I can see why Toyota built these safeties into thier system. Warrantees, recalls and reliability issues cost automakers huge money.

Achieving 100mpg in a PHEV Prius with this system is a step in the right direction and acceptable to me.

[mediadragonsolutions]

Theres nothing wrong with the Prius. The Prius was created as a result of whats on the shirt your wearing. Although engineered to be a leader in MPG, an important issue to Toyota was the vehicle also being a leader in low emissions which it is. The vehicle continues to evolve and maybe people should start thanking Toyota for being leader in this very important technology and stop whinning that their 3 gallon slurpee cup will not fit into the cup holder. Lovin my Prius!

[liveoilfree]

It's better than a gas-guzzler; but it still gets ALL its energy, ultimately, from the gas pump. Toyota is not entirely to blame for not making plug-in versions; Chevron bought control of NiMH (from GM) and sued Toyota, extracting $30 million in damages after which Toyota agreed not to use NiMH for plug-in cars.

[mediadragonsolutions]

The pressing issue for all current Hybrids and those to come are the 60lbs of rare earth elements found in every full Hybrid NiMh battery, electric motor and other vehicle systems.

97% of the worlds rare earth element supply comes from one mine in China and as a strategic metal, is the source secure and what happens when China ramps up their auto industry? Where will these vital ingredients come from?

[liveoilfree]

This is just a lie created by Big Oil sockpuppets and "stink tanks". In reality, ALL the metals in depleted NiMH batteries are recyclable, for cash, and the only expense is in reforming the metals into new batteries. Perhaps after 200,000 miles; the fleet of EVs and hybrid form an "urban mine" of these already-mined metals.

[alex2041]

where does rare oil come from?

[liveoilfree]

The cost of the battery is one place Toyota lies. Actually, all the materials needed for new NiMH are contained in depleted NiMH batteries; so no new mining required, and it's only the cost of melting down and reformulating.

[2Bfreeliberty]

talk about the cost of a battery pack and how the pack can't be cooled well enough to ensure a long life !

[99gsx4g63]

battery packs have a vent to the outside on the pass. side as well as a vent insdie.

They cost $1500 installed to replace and only 4% of all Prius' have had battery replacements....$1500 for a battery is ALOT cheaper then say a transmission failure..but the Prius doesn't have a trasmission...so can't count that.

[hermanwahsletn]

I guess that there is something "wrong" with my 2008 Prius. I can drive up to 62 mph - without the combustible engine starts. Fuel consumption is 46 mpg.

[johan28]

Did you hear about seattle? They have a fleet of plugin prius hybrids and report, after 17,000 miles of use, that the fleet only averages 51mpg. They also admit that the batteries were dead a third of the time.

The article is named "Plug-In Hybrids: More Hype Than Hope?", and you can locate it at 3 w's DoT wired dOt come.

[loweredtalon]

I find that funny that they average the same as my stock Prius gets...and most of the time I'm on the highway.

Alot of people are against these cars and therefore make stuff up. I'd say this is one of those times.

[liveoilfree]

They are using Lithium batteries, which are inferior to NiMH. NiMH keep the RAV4-EV running, without help from an engine, more than 100,000 miles on the same set of batteries with NO gas.

[linamar123456]

tou dont own a rav4 ev any more it was a on lease agreement only back in 1997 so you probaly drive an echo

[liveoilfree]

On the contrary. Why not investigate before you spew? There are hundreds of RAV4-EV which were SOLD by Toyota between Mar. and Nov., 2002, almost all still on the road.

[99gsx4g63]

and there are actually alot that go up on ebay from time to time...average price? $50,000

[metzajohn]

Why don't you talk about what is right with the Prius. You care coming across as a bitter old man and I don't think you are. You seem like a fairly knowledgeable person when it comes to the Prius. However, complaints about the Prius show a lack of knowledge about running a real world automobile business.

[liveoilfree]

The Prius was developed to substitute for real Electric cars, and was used to kill the Electric car. Recall the slogan, "you don't have to plug it in". CARB used Prii to substitute for EVs.

[fullerjames12901]

the prius was kind of a step down from the rav4-ev... its a shame that toyota didn't continue to make EVs. i am, however sill a fan of the prius, as it is a very efficient, readily available car. i'm excited to get the new one this summer

[kaduisaui]

3. ICE runs when the car starts to warm up the catalytic converter and after reaching 34mph. This is a problem and I agree, Toyota boned us on that one.

I got my prius up to 106mph for a few miles on the freeway going to Sacramento one day. I didnt try to go any faster but I thought it could.

[AliceCullenFan09]

Man what in the world is your point?

9 months ago I sold my Ford Exlorer 4X4 and bought a Prius. I went from 14-15 miles per gallon to 45-50 miles per gallon.

So what are you complaining about. Man do you get out much?

[kaduisaui]

Did you watch the video? My comments were about the topics in the video. Read before you post lame insults please.

[kaduisaui]

2. Proprietary computer software does not allow third party battery upgrades: I feel that Toyota would do well to post their software online, let their coding be open source for anyone to use and modify. If American car makers pressure Government lawmakers to force Toyota into suppressing their technology just to do business in America whos fault is it?

[liveoilfree]

You're absolutely right. Volunteer engineers converting the Prius to plug-in have a terrible time "tricking" the computer routine which was designed, apparently, to foil attempts to add-on batteries...Toyota submitting to Chevron.

[64alpha2]

Nothing is wrong with the prius!LOL YEA RIGHT!!! THE PRIUS IS THE #1 Hybrid in america!! LOL U R A LIAR!! THERE IS NO SPEED FOR THE engine to kick in!!! LOL A golf cart?????? HOW DARE U!!! By the way, u were sent by CHEVRON!! GO TELL EM THAT EDISON AND THE Envionmental protection agency is behind people like my back!!! LEMME GUESS WHAT OTHER CAR U HAVE? A HUMMER??? AND F250?

[theslimeylimey]

I had to lol at the end when he said you could charge your plug in car OVERNIGHT using your SOLAR electric rooftop system. :-D

[ClownFight]

Once again for the dummies.

The solar panels generate electricity from the sun during the day. Excess electricity (that which has not been used) is stored in batteries inside the house. This stored electricity is then transferred to the car OVERNIGHT ready to be used the following day. Understanding solar power management isn't rocket science though it seems to be a bit of a challenge for some.

[theslimeylimey]

I assumed he must have meany stored energy but you have to admit, it did sound funny. I didn't know that solar cells could generate enough power to run an entire house and still have 'tons' left over to run a car too. I didn't think there would be enough sqr feet of roof space.

[ClownFight]

Yeah, it does sound a bit funny, like a solar powered torch.

3kW (3m x 10m) of solar panels is all that's needed to power a modern house in a sunny climate. Add another panel or two (0.5kW) to produce the necessary excess to power two cars. Many countries also allow excess electricity to be banked in the electricity grid that can be withdrawn as needed (at night/winter).

For cars see metricmind. com/audi/main. htm (close spaces)

[theslimeylimey]

I checked out that site link: metricmind. com/audi/main. htm. Very interesting read thx. I live close to work and most stores so an electric vehicle would suite me fine 95% of the time.

[tadaa11]

Chevy Volt would work 100% of the time.

[tnguyen318]

Heck! When i'm bored, I can run the treadmill and generate electricity while i'm exercising and charge my own battery!

[bloodeternalxx]

How come Chevron has so much leverage on the decision of the size of the Prius electric motor?

[r4nd0mn4me]

Fuel companies own everything...and Microsoft owns what ever is left.

[no1choice]

They bought the rights of ownership of the technology, or at least a majority of it, so not only do they have a stranglehold on their petroleum part, but alternative technology as well.

Just think of how Sony has the ownership rights to Blue Ray and how every HD video must now convert to that platform.

[diggingforgold]

Very informative. I don't see why Toyota didn't make it a plug-in from the beginning.

[signsoflife7]

"It will come but only when they get it right." ie: Never.

They're never going to get it done so nuts to them, I'm going to do it myself.

I sincerely hope some Toyota staff are reading this, because they need to know that instead of buying a new Corolla I've decided to make my own EV - out of a Toyota.

Frankly the final straw was the news that Toyota (with GM) sued the state of CA to prevent stricter economy requirements. And won.

Er, don't they make the Prius? Hmm, that's odd.

[ambee514]

i guess you don't like free market economies and want the government to control everything.

[Globalpack]

You're saying a rigged market is a free market. Nice try. Get lost corporate sympathizer.

[matt0the0bagger]

no i am saying a market where the government cannot force companies to do things is a free market. people now want cars with better fuel economy and guess what is happening? companies are making cars with better fuel economy. that is the way a free market works. The government does not need to stick their noses in it. I oppose government intervention in the market it is called being a classic liberal not a corporate sympathizer.

[Globalpack]

The problem is there isn't a fair fight. Special interests usually get their way in underhanded ways like we seen happen with the demise of the V1...and if government never "stick their noses in it" there would be intolerable abuse.

[jstack6]

Toyota now has some plug-in hybrids they are testing. It will come but only when they get it right.

The new safe lithium battereis are still a little high but should come down soon.

[hawk630]

show me

[Teslamotors31]

Mass production of electric vehicles would free up oil supplies for a strong national defense, free up oil supplies for the airline industry.

Obviously benefits of electric vehicles are many. It would improve public health, and provide a cleaner environment and air quality.

Mass production would also create more jobs for our economy and improve the quality of life in America and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.

[pinkyzoey]

Those Chevron bastards are the ones who are preventing Toyota from making the car more eco friendly. They sued so the battery pack would be limited and the car will have to use more fuel.

[lilcrzytimmy]

its funny how toyota dont want to have plugin hybrid conversion but they released a plugin hybrid in japan. toyota, make your your mind, go with plugin, HIGH MPG matchs your song in those comercial "i want my, i want my MPG"

[feezbeest]

Funny principle, charging the car "at *night* with a solar rooftop"? Why not just build yourself a wind turbine for it, at least that will put out some power when it's pitch dark... ;)

[liveoilfree]

Wind turbines are fine; but our rooftop solar system produces power in the day, which helps the grid avoid blackouts in the peak period of demand.

At night, we charge it up slowly, when electric is cheap, using credits we earned during the daytime peak period. Of course, we COULD, and sometimes DO, charge in the day, but it's best for the grid to charge at night.

[KnightChatX]

How about verticle turbines and batter alternators that put out higher energy. How about using inverter to put out even more. Just think, you use an inverter to convert small DC to 120 AC equiv, and the average ignition coil puts out thousands of volts to make a simple spark to ignite gas in a cylinder. can that energy from the ignition coil somehow be re-used to supply all the energy demands in sameway as an alternator?

[drewdude320i]

wind turbines don't generate much power at all. It would take a huge amount of time to charge a car off a wind turbine, unless you bought one of those huge noisy turbines they spread out over miles and miles in California. But I don't think your neighbors would like that too much.

[iwtfsg]

everything is wrong with the prius!snap

[bobsixtyfour]

The routine in the computer is sized to protect the OEM battery. Toyota is not going to hire additional programmers to support every possible after-market battey-pack addon.

Granted, YES it is annoying when the engine comes on to warm up the Catalytic Converter. BUT remember, this is a gasoline car. It is subject to EMISSIONS laws - which require Catalytic Converters. Catalytic Converters are not effective unless they reach a certain temp.

[bobsixtyfour]

The prius transmission/computers is designed to protect itself by not allow the prius to exceed 41 mph BECAUSE MG1's maximum rated RPM is 6,500.

eahart . com / prius/psd/

Thus the Engine needs to start in order to balance out the RPMs. Otherwise it's akin to driving 60mph in first gear of an normal car!

[cant7think7clearly]

I agree. The standard Prius ties you to the gas pump unless you make it a plug-in hybrid. Imagine driving your Prius for 1000 miles of general daily commuting without a single drop of gas. It's prefectly do-able too.

[EddieKloth]

yes it does have a small battery pack but tats the point it recharges all the time and it has just enough power to run the electric motor on startups which is where you usually use the most energy and gas. By using to batteries on startups ex)stopping at stoplights etc. you save a phenomenal amount of gas cuz when you are cruising, gas usage really isn't a problem. For city driving where you are starting and stopping all the time its great but if you are a long distance commuter sorry no point.

[1samothrace2]

what about adding a second battery pack separate from the first and charging it while using the first and vice versa removal of the gas engine would need to be done to decrease weight

[milofonbil]

Streetcars in Japan are using LiIon batteries made by Kokubunji that can recharge in under a minute and can run at 40 kph for 15 kilometers. Perhaps Streetcar batteries like these could be used in making PHEVs.

[bostoncbr]

I answered my own question. The Prius electric motor has the same power rating as the RAV4 EV, so power is plenty. If the EV mode speed limit can't be hacked, it makes me want to remove the IC motor and gas tank and pack batteries in their place.

[bostoncbr]

"motor is powerful enough to power it to 80 mph" -- do you have data that shows this? There are plug in kits out there but I don't know of any that have hacked the 33 mph limit. If 80 mph EV mode is possible, that would be a HUGE benefit for the rest of us who don't own RAV4 EV's and want to drive petroleum-free.