I have no issue with the current location. I would only marginally prefer an electric release. How about a behavior like the hatch? Auto-unlock when the car is turned off, etc.
what???
I do like the idea of a fob button - would not want to pay the extra money for that high end package, but it would be a nice touch.
yes that would be nice, added to smart key system. but would not want it if it eliminated a manual latch. i can tell you that a smart key system spoils one quickly if discounting the putting in/ removing from pocket action. i have to say i go MONTHS between physical interactions with my key
A spring mechanism for the charge port cover could assure the cover stays closed while driving, yet will flip open for charging.
would it?? the gas door has virtually no air flow on it. the charging hatch is subject to extensive up air flow and your suggestion presents a challenge
getting a spring strong enough to resist all those whoop de dos your front end encounters in its daily journeys. which will probably get complaints from people whining that its too hard to open...i much prefer a latch
but your suggestion could work if it was double latched. a finger hole to pop it looose, then reach in like a hood latch to pull the release.
interesting conversation here. overall;
1) i can live with it (better than paying $30 a week for gas!!)
2) electric?? have an electric unlock for the Prius hatch along with a "slightly" inconvenient manual release. trust me, you do not want electric. Prius owners who have ever had their 12 volt battery die will understand
3)cable reliability depends on use and the run of the cable. at first i thought it would make sense to put it where the gas door release is...but then again, it would require a couple of bends which would not be good and then i thought about it and realized the gas door handle is really not all that much easier to reach which tells me this location issue is not really one which brings to mind another "cable" ie the emergency brake cable.
as we know, this is electric. no manual control. but this is also a cable that has too many bends which means its prone to failure. i have had a brake cable break and its really not that tough a job to replace...
but wait!! that was on a mid 80's Toyota Corolla that was pretty much wide open underneath. those types of cars are long gone so i would not welcome a 2nd shot at that task, so i do understand and welcome the electric emergency brake latch.