I've been checking out the new Prius models at a local dealer, and while test driving a model V, I noticed what looked like an air conditioning vent on the passenger side of the rear seat. What is that?? I thought it to be an A/C vent, but didn't feel air coming out of it...and couldn't understand why it would only be on one side of the seat and not on the other side... Then I thought maybe it was part of the solar ventilation system, but this was a model V, which of course did NOT have the solar package. Sorry for the dumb question, but I was/am puzzled and curious.
No problem... It used to be higher on the seat in the Gen II, now they moved it to the bottom. Here's the hybrid battery behind the rear seats, w/o the cover on top of it. It allows cabin air in to cool the battery
Bit strange they lowered the vent. Seems more likely a jacket can flop over and block the vent, or not. Only one time I've heard a fan running inside the vent. I guess the battery needed cooling quickly.
Funny you mention that, I never heard it in my Gen II, but I've actually heard it quite a few times now in my Gen III. I wonder if it's a bigger fan now or maybe with the modifications they made in cooling for the pack it just places the fan in a spot where it can be heard running easier now...
