<VV> Electric Heating (no Corvair)

[DCASTIAUX at aol.com]

Hi Bruce,
 Answer to a couple of your questions. The Prius gas engine does start  up to 
insure the engine is at operating temp when you select "start", that in  turn 
ensures there is warm coolant in the heater core when you have heat  
selected. When you first start the Prius two of the main checks done by the  computer 
are.... "Is the engine at operating temp" and "does the High Voltage  battery 
have adequate charge". If the answer to either question is no, the gas  engine 
will start and run until the computer is satisfied. 
As far as electric heat in electric vehicles, when you use it there is  a  
large deduction from the range you can get on the battery pack charge  you 
started off with. In the Volt, I believe GM will either use an electric heat  Pump 
and/or some how capture and use the heat created by the electronic  devices, 
i.e. Controller, voltage reducer and electric motor. When you use high  
amperage you do end with heat you have to get rid of.  I hope this answers  you 
question   David in OKC
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