Toyota Officially Responds To A Plug-In Prius

[Strelnikov_]

Considering there is very little modification they would have to make to the Prius, couldn't they at least offer it as an option? I cannot explain their position regarding PHEV's.

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000747054915/

Toyota’s officially responds to a plug-in Prius
Posted Aug 18, 2005, 7:30 AM ET by John Neff

Irv Miller, Toyota’s Group Vice President for Corporate Communications, recently responded to an email sent by the Yahoo Gridable Hybrids group. In it Miller makes clear Toyota’s stance on the possibility of a plug-in Prius, which is to say there’s not going to be one… at least directly from Toyota. Miller makes the point that, as everyone knows, an electric vehicle is only as clean as the source of the electricity it is using. If your part of the national grid is powered by coal your EV car might not be doing as much as you thought to reduce pollution. It’s Toyota’s position as well that batteries require further development to improve capacity, durability and cost, which Toyota doesn’t expect to happen anytime soon. So for now you can pack up your extension cord and head on over to the nearest BP if you want to keep your Prius powered.

[Skink]

1. and your warranty is voided....

:evilgrin:

[NorCalDem]

2. This is a legitimate response

I'm not worried about Toyota, at least they HAVE the Prius. Concern yourself with Hummer!

Plus, he's correct, the sourse of electricity is the true source of pollution, and fuel cell batteries haven't been developed to the point needed to run and entire automobile. If anyone does make a car that runs entirely on renewable energy, it'll probably be Toyota or Honda, so they're OK in my book.

[Richard D]

3. I actually saw a Hummer today . . .

. . . powered by bio-diesel.

[NNadir]

4. Governor Steroids has a hydrogen hummer.

It takes static electricity out of the air, converts it to hydrogen, fuels his car, and it cools the ocean.

[Strelnikov_]

5. And What Pollution Free Energy Source, Praytell, Will One Use

to produce Hydrogen.

In addition, their response does not take into account the looming liquid fuels crises. We need 100 mpge cars now, not 20 years from now.

I think I will concern myself with a company that is 99% of the way to producing a 20 mi. range PHEV, and can not at least offer it as an option.

The coming liquid fuels crises will take care of Hummers, Armada's, etc.

[Porcupine]

6. I have to disagree. Hummer buyers are beyond cost pressure.

This very morning driving to work, I saw a Hummer H2 towing a Jeep. The Jeep was rigged up for off roading with bars and gas cans and strange contraptions hanging off of it. The Hummer was all shiny down to polished tires.

I really wish I was making this up.

[Strelnikov_]

7. OK. You Guys Have Convinced Me.

Guess we're just gonna have to 'legislate' them out of existence.

This is one reason I like the 'Carbon Ration' idea being floated in England.

[phantom power]

8. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Very very few people will be able

to afford a Hummer from here on out.

[dcfirefighter]

9. I work with a lot of large SUV owners

who are regretting their purchases.