2014
Fourth Generation Toyota Prius
-
>
Do
you have a 2012 third generation Prius? Rate your third
generation Prius today!
Fourth Generation Toyota Prius 4
The third generation Toyota Prius brought with it many changes, although most changes didn't arrive with the initial launch. At first, the third generation launch seemed a bit anti-climatic because Toyota didn't make the switch to lithium, nor did it immediately offer a plug-in option.
But the Toyota
Prius is now living up to the hype with the launch of the larger Toyota Prius V, the smaller Toyota Prius C, and the Prius plug-in hybrid.
So, where can the fourth generation Prius take the king of hybrid cars?
Already some new derivatives have been suggested, such as a Prius pickup truck, a Prius sports coupe, as well as a Prius convertible. While these new Prius hybrids seem a bit odd for the Prius family, the possibility of a Prius truck coming with the fourth generation Hybrid Synergy Drive seems quite plausible today based on the latest statements coming out of Japan.
But, probably the greatest change due with the fourth generation Prius is the switch to a lithium-ion battery pack, although such a move has not been confirmed. However, since the Prius V will offer a lithium pack in both Japan and Europe, and the plug-in Prius will also add lithium, lithium for the fourth generation Toyota Prius seems inevitable.
In previous generations, Toyota has been able to reduce Prius costs, while reducing the size of the battery pack. Switching to lithium might not offer as much of a price reduction, but it should increase cargo space in the fourth generation Prius.
Outside of a new battery pack, the possibility of a few new derivatives, and some extra interior space, not much is yet know about the fourth generation Prius which should launch sometime in 2014 or 2015 -- probably dependent upon battery capabilities.
Interestingly, this change in battery could offer another unusual development when the fourth generation Prius launches. It's possible that Toyota will continue to offer a NiMH based Prius, based off the third generation HSD, as the cheapest, base model. This idea has been contemplated by Toyota in the past, and it would be a great way for Toyota to maximize its investment in NiMH technologies while increasing overall Prius penetration.
What would make the fourth generation Toyota Prius better?
How would you change the fourth generation Toyota Prius? How could Toyota make the fourth generation Prius better than the third generation Prius?
--> Add your Prius 4 comments
|
