A
plug-in Prius never in the works?
Friday,
October 26, 2007
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?
"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.
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