Plug-in Prius Closer than We Think? (In Japan, that is.) - October 22nd, 2007
Popular Mechanics is reporting that Japan may get the first plug-in Prius to hit the market. In a briefing by Toyota’s Project General Manager for the company’s Hybrid Vehicle System Engineering Development Division, Yoshitaka Asakura, the indication seemed to be that Toyota won’t wait for lithium-ion batteries to get perfected to go ahead.
I confess my head spins a little when I start trying to sort out this battery tech stuff, but let’s face it, the question boils down to two things — range and power. The buying public is more than ready for the emerging concept of a city car — a small, efficient vehicle for use in our over-crowded cities. But the thing is going to have to run for more than a few miles and it’s going to have to have some pick-up to handle traffice. Add to that my major concern; these things are going to have to come in at a price point that will allow folks to have two cars. Right now, I can’t, no matter how much I like the idea.
Check out the Popular Mechanics article. Interesting stuff and definitely the direction in which our driving lives are headed.
Posted on October 22nd, 2007 by Shorty
Filed under: business & advertising |
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