Quote:
Originally Posted by UTpiper
My second question has to do with the true value of a block heater in terms of increased mpg. How long does it take (in terms of minutes or miles) for the Prius to reach proper operating temperature?
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On your first question:
I think Tim offered a great answer that is hard to improve on. Needless to say, use that EV wisely. It is "expensive" energy and should be used strategically to maximize FE.
On the second question:
The block heater has plenty of value, particularly when temperatures get pretty low. In addressing your specific temperature reference of 10F I find the use of block heater essential even when the cars are inside the garage. For instance, if I do not use a block heater in a 10F morning my MPG at the end of a 15 minute trip are 15-20mpg worse. The lower the temperatures the larger the fuel economy loss is and the greater the value of a block heater. Of course in my case you have to factor in the caracteristics of my route and those are likely to be different for you.
By the way, my Prius is an 07 and I did order it with a block heater. This is pretty common for canadians to do but not so common for our US friends who must at times resort to ordering the part from Toyota Canada or other sources.
Cheers;
MSantos