Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 19, 2006 | 01:33 PM

Jason

Thread Starter

Site Founder

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 4,623

Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Quote:

Toyota sees a future in plugging in vehicles — instead of simply pulling in for gas. Already a leader in the hybrid market with its Prius sedan, Toyota Motor Corp. plans to develop a hybrid vehicle that will run locally on batteries charged by a typical 120-volt outlet before switching over to a gasoline engine for longer hauls.

The technology is far from being ready — and there's no timeline for when such cars might be offered for sale.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060719/.../hybrid_cars_1

Jul 19, 2006 | 02:11 PM

stevejust

Pretty Darn Active Enthusiast

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 264

From: Los Angeles, CA

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

I read a similar article that included the following quotation:

Quote:

Toyota has "sold more U.S. hybrids so far this year than Cadillac, Buick or Mercedes-Benz has sold cars."

available at: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...rIsComing.aspx

Jul 21, 2006 | 12:58 PM

spiff72

Ridiculously Active Enthusiast

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 620

From: West Michigan

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

I would need to see the sales figures before I would believe that...

By my numbers, Toyota has sold about 96580 hybrids through the month of June (including Lexus).

I can't believe that Cadillac, Buick, and MB haven't sold that many combined!

Last edited by spiff72; Jul 21, 2006 at 01:03 PM.

Jul 21, 2006 | 02:30 PM

lars-ss

Ridiculously Active Enthusiast

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,430

From: Phoenix, AZ

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiff72

It's not COMBINED, it's INDIVIDUALLY. More hybrids sold than Cadillac has sold cars. More hybrids sold than Buick has sold CARS. More hybrids sold than MB has sold CARS.

He conveniently left out trucks (in the case of Cadillac and MB) and he also might have been talking about "worldwide" sales figures, which we don't really have an easy way to verify.

Since he's the North America head of Toyota, I would seriously dobut he would say that if he did not have the numbers to prove it.....

Jul 21, 2006 | 03:47 PM

spiff72

Ridiculously Active Enthusiast

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 620

From: West Michigan

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Quote:

Originally Posted by lars-ss

Ahhhh, I see. I just noticed the "or" between Caddy, Buick, and Benz.

Jul 21, 2006 | 04:28 PM

Orcrone

Ridiculously Active Enthusiast

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,031

From: Chesapeake, VA

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

If I got one of those plug-in hybrids I'm wondering how long it would be before I drove off without unplugging it in the morning.

Jul 27, 2006 | 09:13 PM

Atomic Frog

Proudest Monkey

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 65

From: Omaha, NE

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Bring it on, Toyota! I would love to drive a plug-in hybrid. Strangely, I've heard some media people say that this is the next step on the way to having an electric car. But GM had the EV1 in select Saturn dealerships back in 1996! Amusing (and sad considering it's fate...).

Aug 3, 2006 | 07:48 PM

Double-Trinity

Pretty Darn Active Enthusiast

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 474

Re: Toyota plans hybrid that runs on batteries

Quote:

If I got one of those plug-in hybrids I'm wondering how long it would be before I drove off without unplugging it in the morning.

A solution to this problem would be to put in an ignition immobilizer that would not allow startup if the plug is still connected. Having a pluggable feature that supplements engine power with 120vAC plug is a great idea, for commutes between work and back -- especially if there were an outdoor outlet at work, could really stretch gas tanks out for a long time even with a fairly low cost, low capacity battery.