We've all been a little bit surprised by Toyota's lack of interest in producing a plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. They have frequently cited several factors in their slow path to the plug, including the inconvenience and cost of a plug-in system. But Toyota has finally decided to put a plug into a significant number of it's vehicles. Starting in 2012, Toyota will produce 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in Prius'. That is, at least according to a report from Japan's Nikkei news agency. The report also indicates that these cars won't come cheap, hilighting once again that we are still a ways off from the electrification of the autmobile.
The large lithium-ion batteries these cars will be using will bump the price up to "around the price of the iMiev", which is currently $48,000. That's a good bit more expensive than the Chevy Volt, and from what we've heard of the batteries system they're eyeing, it should only give the car about a fifteen mile all-electric range.
It's hard not to be disappointed by that, with GM's Volt promising 40 miles without gasoline at a lower price, but at least Toyota is finally planning on making them in mass.
Via Reuters
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written by Evan, July 06, 2009
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written by Carl Hage, July 07, 2009
With the Prius, you still need the gas engine because the electric motor is only 20Kw, so to accelerate fast or moderately, you need the extra power from the gas engine. The current battery is only 10Kw (the other 10Kw comes from the generator when the gas engine is on). With 2 batteries, electric only for low-moderate acceleration is possible, but most cruising could be done with the batteries.
In theory, this architecture uses a smaller and cheaper set of motors, batteries, etc. than the full-electric EV or serial hybrid like the Volt.
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written by Jeremy, July 17, 2009
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written by autostry, July 18, 2009
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