4th generation coming 2015!

The patent for large format NiMH expired last year so in theory, they could make BEV with it.

 

I do not know, compared to a mid-range Lexus sedan, a Prius even with quiet tires seems loud, at least on the highway. However, a Prius (even my 2012 Plug-in with supposedly more sound insulation) with OEM tires is even louder.

I can't remember if my 2012 Plug-in with OEM tires was louder than my 2004 with OEM tires, but both were loud. I can tell you though that the 2004 with aftermarket tires was quieter than my 2012 Plug-in is with OEM tires. However, all of those are louder than the few Lexuses I've been in at highway speeds.

 

Regarding highway noise:
In the west, the highway department puts down a slurry of thick asphalt, then presses pea-gravel into the mix with a roller. It wears wonderfully, but it is noisy. Next is concrete. The joints are noisy. Many concrete roads are textured for traction in winter. The quietest is smooth, un-testured asphalt. The tires make very little noise, and the ride is smooth and quiet. It is as delightful as an ice cold brew on a hot summer day.

I can't say what the interior noise level of a Lexus, or Buick, or Tesla is, but I am a little forgiving in the Prius on the gravel treated road.

 

Overall, I agree with your comments. I have squashed at least 4 different rattles in my 2010 and it still feels loose, noisy and cheap. I do find the current generation to be the perfect size. I like a compact vehicle both on the road and in parking lots while having decent cargo space and a roomy back seat for occasional passengers. Few cars, and no upscale ones that I know of, offers this combo. Those that do tend to be practical but low frills entry level vehicles, like the Honda Fit which is even smaller on the outside. I would like a vehicle that is a little more plush in my old age!

One thought I have had is to wait to see if Lexus replaces the Lexus ct200h with a model based on the new Prius in a couple of years. The ct200h, unfortunately, is less space efficient than the Prius, so it would depend on the design of a replacement.

 

I think lithium ion have surpassed NiMH in performance and cost for use in large BEV packs. A few years ago it might have been a good choice.

 

cmth and I were referring to this. It would surpass Li-ion if it is real. There is no more patent hostage for the large format to be deployed.

 

I just can't seem to find any info on the 2016 Prius. Our 2010 Prius is getting somewhat long in the tooth with nearly 125,000 miles.
The 2015 Prius and our Prius has not really changed much at all. The 2016 Prius is supposed to be a new body style and perhaps powertrain improvement as well. It seems like any info on the 2016 Prius is equivalent to the Manhattan Project in the 1940's...

 

Which will be great for when this new battery technology gets to market. I just think the odds are against it. Toyota and Panasonic have been in a partnership for over a decade in regards to NiMH. The type of improvements BASF is claiming would also be useful in a hybrid. A half size pack in the Camry hybrid would improve the usefulness of its trunk, and reduce the number one complaint of hybrid sedans.

I doubt Toyota/Panasonic has abandoned all NiMH R&D. So they are keeping mum about any improvements they made, or any lab discoveries simply didn't pan out for automotive use. The increased energy could be at the cost of power or lifespan.

BASF did buy Ovonic, and has all the intellectual property, so they could be on to something, but what they have is still in the lab. Research into Li-ion hasn't stop either; BASF is also working in that field.

 

We are just saying keep an open mind for fresh ideas. Don't have a close Li-ion mind. That's all.

 

I don't. It is just many break throughs have been posted though the years here, and very few have ever panned out.
BASF isn't some nobody, so this might make it, but research into Li-ion and other chemistries, along with super capacitors and fuel cells, hasn't stopped.

I think a big hurdle for NiMH BEVs will be the nickel supply.

 

Yeah, although I have a Li-ion Prius, I personally don't care which technology it is, as long as it works well.

 

Just one guy here, but to explain for me:

Priorities in a car purchase:
1) Reliability
2) Efficiency
3) Price.

All other features are just bonuses I get because so many others demand them. They are forced on me at the expense of higher Price, less Reliability and a little less Efficiency. Must admit I enjoy and use them, so it's all good.

I suppose I would add HVAC, though I rarely use it when travelling alone.
I am less of a Prius fanatic after getting our Leaf, as it is so much more efficient in city driving.
Want to replace the '10 Liftback with a Gen4 PHV

 

There is not much new to go on except last week two people from the Prius Team at Toyota Corporate chimed in, Doug Coleman stated t(he)y were in a room looking at a massive image of the (4th gen Prius) and they said 'wow, just wow' or SLT, Look back several pages on this thread to see it,

I think it was Paradox who spotted mfr schedules that showed the 2016 Prius to start production in Nov, this year.

I think the 4th gen Prius will look something like the Hyundai 'Prius copy' that was spotted on a car carrier. I think the 4th gen Prius will have a flatter hood and a break between the hood line and the windshield and I think it will have largely the same rear end shape. I have no idea what they are going to do with the spoiler since some people complain about it blocking their view, The spoiler is integral to the Kammback shape and therefore the Prius liftback shape,

 

The rear end is what I dislike the most about the design, always have.

 

Those 5 cents can be used.

100% of the nickel in Prius battery pack is recovered. I don't think it'll be a big hurdle. NiMH is more reliable across extreme temps. Charging it is simplier, etc. It has many advantages over Li-ion and vice versa.

It would be good if Toyota lets the customer choose.

 

Just my unsolicitated 2¢, but a better NiMH (ie: higher density & capacity) is safer than either Li-ion or new technology battery, because it's safer/easier to eliminate known 'old' problems than 'new' unknown problems.

 

Problem with Ni-Mh is size and weight, current 1.3 kWh battery uses only 0.52 kWh, to get to a usable plug-in capacity (eg. 3.1 kWh) you would need 6 normal Ni-Mh battery packs, that is just too much.

I think Basf is developing the NiMh technology further but above restriction will still be tough nut to crack.

 

Toyota days you will see it this year. Some are guessing the tokyo show in the fall. I think k the 4 th gem is ready. Just depends when...fall 2015 release it early 16?

 

Sorry Vinnie97, the rear end is probably the shot I like the most, with its sharp black spoiler.

I would not mind a Carbon fiber spoiler, roof and rearview mirrors in a sport touring trim version at all.