Toyota
testing plug-in hybrid Prius
Updated:
Thursday,
July 25, 2007
Toyota
confirms plug-in
rumors
Several weeks ago rumors spilled out of Japan claiming
that the third
generation Prius, and all third generation hybrids,
were going to be delayed - at least as far as being
lithium powered.
Then a few days ago, the new rumor coming out of Japan was that Toyota
was
going to test a plug-in Prius
on the streets of Japan, Europe and the U.S.
While Toyota has confirmed those rumors, Toyota has also,
unfortunately, confirmed that the Toyota Plug-in HV, a plug-in
based off the Prius, will utilize NiMH batteries, rather than
lithium ion batteries. As a result, the Toyota Plug-in HV
will only have an electric cruising range of 8 miles per
charge.
Additionally, the Plug-in
HV can only achieve speeds of 62 mph in electric mode.
Charging times vary from 1 1/2 to 4 hours dependant upon
voltage.
So, does this prove that lithium ion batteries are neither
ready for plug-in hybrids, nor for the third generation
Prius?
While the answer to that
question isn't a certainty at this point, I'd bet that is
the case.
Moreover, perhaps, the third
generation Prius will continue to be a NiMH powered
hybrid, but with a plug-in option? While Toyota is denying
such a possibility, claiming that NiMH batteries are not
acceptable for a plug-in hybrid, it seems odd that Toyota
would test such a vehicle with NiMH batteries if it would
never be put on sale.
Sure, Toyota can claim
that they are testing emissions, etc., but what real world
conditions can you test without lithium batteries? The
batteries are just two different. Apples and Oranges.
Furthermore, since many
private owners are already using lithium batteries for
plug-in hybrids in the Prius, Toyota could just as easily
test such a concept. Consequently, I believe there is a
chance the NiMH powered Plug-in HV might soon be offered
for sale - although only in a few markets.
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