A plug-in Prius never in the works?
Will the Prius ever be a plug-in hybrid?There have been a lot of interesting comments coming out of the Tokyo Auto Show regarding hybrid cars. In an earlier post, I wrote that Toyota finally confirmed that the Prius would be powered by a NiMH battery, rather than a lithium battery.
Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto told reporters that "the next-generation Prius won't need a lithium-ion battery because the nickel-metal hydride battery it has now is well-suited for the car. Instead, the next Prius can offer better mileage by improving its motor and other parts."
Yet, Takimoto made a few other interesting comments regarding lithium and the Prius that makes me wonder, was the Prius ever intended as a lithium plug-in hybrid? (Finish: Plug-in Prius)
Labels: lithium battery, plug-in hybrid vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
12:01 PM
4 Comments:
Complete Story
There have been a lot of interesting comments coming out of the Tokyo Auto Show regarding hybrid cars. In an earlier post, I wrote that Toyota finally confirmed that the Prius would be powered by a NiMH battery, rather than a lithium battery.
Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto told reporters that "the next-generation Prius won't need a lithium-ion battery because the nickel-metal hydride battery it has now is well-suited for the car. Instead, the next Prius can offer better mileage by improving its motor and other parts."
Yet, Takimoto made a few other interesting comments regarding lithium and the Prius that makes me wonder, was the Prius ever intended as a lithium plug-in hybrid?
"Work on the next-generation Prius and work on the next-generation lithium-ion battery are both moving forward according to our plan," Takimoto said.
According to the DetroitNews, "Takimoto also said a move to the lithium-ion battery would be more attractive for a product other than the Prius, such as a plug-in hybrid, which recharges from a household socket, or an electric car. The advantages of the lithium-ion battery, how it's rechargeable and packs more power in a smaller size, will be "more fun" in a plug-in or an electric car, he said."
So, will Toyota's first plug-in hybrid vehicle - if such vehicles ever happen - be something other than a Prius? It seems so, and upon refection that seems a good marketing idea. Prius sales are cruising. Why mess that success up with numerous Prius buyers waiting for the Prius plug-in before buying a Prius?
A Toyota plug-in hybrid might be a Prius derivative, but by giving it its own name and identity, Toyota can take their green halo to another level.
Thus, here's my prediction. A Toyota plug-in hybrid - a non-Prius, plug-in hybrid only - concept debut at either the LA Auto Show or at NAIAS.
You are right!
Never a plug-in Prius.
(1) a further development
of the present
Prius Concept.
(2) An EV not needing an ICE
equiped with a grown-up
Lithium-Ion battery
Right!
A plug-in Prius will not work.
(1) Hybrid concept will do,
Prius can & will approve.
(2) EV will live with the
Lithium-Ion battery
without the ICE.
Sohbet
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