Plug-in Prius Closer than We Think? (In Japan, that is.)
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.