I have a Gen II and PIP. On long trips, backseat passengers in the Gen II would notice the seat becomes noticeably warmer. I believe it was the passenger on the right-side. We do not cover the inlet that provides airflow to the traction battery. The PIP traction battery on the other hand, never generates enough heat that passengers in the backseat notice. I feel like Toyota improved the hybrid system significantly in managing heat. I'm curious what those who have experience with all 3 models think. Also, is the Gen III liftback similar to the PIP in managing the heat, or is it closer to the Gen II since they both have NiMh traction batteries?
Letterman always says "you can't complain about a free show". Anyone in the backseat of my car is getting a free ride, and you can't complain about a free ride. Therefore, I'm uninterested in knowing how comfortable the rear seat is. That said, the 3 battery temps I monitored on my 3,000 mile trip showed just above cabin temperature; in the mid-70s F. The rear seats should not get warm due to charging/discharging.
Never had that issue on my Gen 2. do not know about my PiP yet. Interesting to hear the whirr of a fan come on for the PiP though when thing is off but charging.
I appreciate the feedback. I will ask the Gen II board if passengers noticed any heat in the backseats. I am more interested about heat, and its effect on losing battery capacity. I am assuming that because backseat passengers in the Gen II could feel the back warming up, the Gen III is much improved in managing the traction battery heat dissipation. After 320k miles, our Gen II is still running strong with negligible mpg loss. I am wondering if the improved heat dissipation is a result of Toyota improving the HSD, a result of the higher capacity Li-ion batteries, or both. Hence, why I asked for personal experience from Gen II, Gen III and PIP drivers.
Passengers on my former 2004 & 2008 never suffered or complained about extra heat rising from the batteries. Our current 2011 and PiP never gets warmer that cabin temperature
More likely my online persona is much different than my face-to-face persona. It's easier to be curt online where people are relative strangers, and that tends to comes across as being a selfish jerk. That said, I consider it a privilege to provide for a wide range of needs whether it's a ride somewhere, a meal, or a place to stay. The difference to me is in providing for needs vs wants. Someone might need a ride somewhere, but they don't need luxurious comfort. I hold myself to the same standard when I cram myself in the jumpseat of my Grandpa's truck and get a free ride to a free breakfast. It could be better, but I can't complain.
