A lithium-less Prius - A major flop?
Is Toyota about to stumble?The current Toyota Prius is a fantastic car. Yet, the hype building around the third generation Prius has been amazing. Rumors of a 100 mpg Prius, or at least 80 mpg, have filled blogs throughout the Internet. As a result, many potential Prius buyers have decided to wait.
Yet, it seems almost a certainty that the first iteration of the third generation Prius, and all of Toyota's hybrid cars, will not utilize lithium-ion batteries.
While this might lead to cheaper costs, it might also lead to less than expected performance - and sales. Perhaps a new design could inspire new hybrid vehicle buyers. In addition, maybe a potential derivative, such as a smaller, more fuel efficient city Prius, also suggested by Toyota, could help.
Nonetheless, did Toyota, even if accidentally, set expectations too high for the third generation Prius?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:06 AM
1 Comments:
I'd estimate that the rumors only mattered to the die-hard fans - I'm disappointed, but only because it means Toyota doesn't think the technology is there. It's not going to change my (hypothetical) buying decision on a car that's over a year away from hitting the show-room floor. A lot can happen in a year, and there's still Honda's new hybrid to be unveiled.
Mike
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