Toyota's lithium contradictions and the third generation Prius

Will it be lithium powered?

Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota's top guy, has been very bullish regarding lithium batteries and their ability to power Toyota's hybrid cars. He was even quoted by BusinessWeek a few months ago confirming that lithium batteries were ready for Toyota's hybrids.

Shortly thereafter, however, rumors emerged from Japan claiming that lithium would be delayed, and multiple Toyota executives have seemed to confirm these rumors. Earlier this week Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota's research and development chief, for example, claimed that Toyota's Third Generation Hybrid Synergy drive had not been delayed, however, Okamoto also made it seem as if the next gen Prius would not utilize lithium.

Likewise, regarding lithium batteries, ...Finish: Lithium contradictions and the third generation Prius

The reality of plug-in hybrid conversions

A Toyota Prius prepped for plug-in conversion

It was great to watch an actual plug-in hybrid conversion this weekend at Hybridfest in Madison, WI. It was equally as great to speak with plug-in conversion specialists, such as Davide Andrea and Ann Colcord of HybridsPlus.

Unfortunately, however, it isn't all great news regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles.

--> Finish: Reality of plug-in hybrid conversions