2nd Gen Prius Plug-In already in the works? September 2016 release noted

So the logic is... limit availability to attain high quantity sales??
That makes no sense. I would really like to try to understand your viewpoint. Would you try rephrasing?

 

They take what can be learned from the initial rollout, then apply it to the next.

That's basic business. You test the market and adjust accordingly before going all out.

 

The Escape hybrid, after some delays, came to market before the Highlander hybrid. There is a belief Toyota let them do so for the first SUV hybrid claim. I don't know of any evidence to support that view.

The larger battery pack improves regenerative braking. Not only in total amount of energy that can be recaptured, but also by increasing the amount of energy that can be captured per braking event. Cell to cell, Li-ion also allows more energy capture than NiMH.

If you are referring to the Niro, I am unaware of an AWD option. It would make sense to have it if it is marketed as a crossover, but the C-HR hybrid isn't getting AWD in Europe.

 

Isn't there an AWD Prius Gen IV in Japan? It's amazing, the sales volume are lower but they release all these different cars there, like the Prius Alpha 7 seater, Corolla Hybrid, etc...I think a Sienta Hybrid van also.

 

Plug-ins in America are basically a political choice of a "winner" by Congress (and California). So lots of money has been poured in to try to make it work here. My guess is that Congress and some states will continue to work hard to promote, subsidize, and mandate plug-ins.

Toyota and perhaps other Japan auto makers are marching to a different Kabuki drummer. EU auto makers also have different drummer, but I think for EU their aversion to gasoline and preference for diesel zippy power and willingness to pay more, and some shorter driving distances, makes plug-ins look good in theory there as a natural consumer choice.

For some reason AWD is hugely popular in Japan so it's a must have market for Toyota.

 

There is, but it sounds like it is a lower power system that may not be popular here. Another factiod to consider is that Japan doesn't have rock salt deposits. So the places that see snow won't have salted roads, making AWD more needed on cars.

The 7 seater Prius v is available in Europe. The Corolla hybrid is, or will be, sold in China. The hybrid minivan is smaller than an American minivan, and the likely EPA rating would not be high enough to get people to pay extra for.

Japan and CARB are pushing hydrogen and FCEVs. Germany also has a test program for that.

Norway loves the Tesla, but I think most plug in models are hampered by import taxes or a bad business model. Of the models for sale in America, only the Leaf is built in Europe, so the rest have something like 10% added to their price. Well, the 500e might be built there, but going by FCA's CEO attitude, I wouldn't surprised if it wasn't sold anywhere outside of California. The Prius PHEV was never sold in Europe.

The bad business model was Renault's battery leasing one. Selling the car, and leasing the battery could be a good option that let more people get into a BEV. But it wasn't an option. It was the only way to get a BEV from them. There was no way of buying the battery pack, even used, and it seems pack specs weren't released, so a third party or DIY one wasn't an option.

 

agreed, but there are so many factors. number of total cars being sold, gas prices, government incentives, it's difficult to weed it all out.
i don't think we can forecast plug in sales based on prius history.

 

Best Green Car Deals: March 2016
- CarsDirect

...indicates you can lease a Ford CMax or Fusion energi plug-in for $150/mo or less in SoCal. That's gonna eat PiP2's lunch assuming we see a PiP2.

 

We get rip off big time over here to rent a volt in dealer in Canada 618 $/month for 60 month but in US

• Best Deal: Lease for $299 for 39 months
• Due at Signing: $0 (conquest/loyalty)

BBBBOOOUHHHHHH*&?%$%?&*( GM!!!!! YOU TAKE US FOR DUMMY!!

FOOOORDDDDD even worst

Canada 541$/mo 48 mois
USA Lease for $149 for 36 months

 

more like a snack at the rate they're selling. prius will get a bump because it's new, but will have to compete at some point. cmax may go away though, something better coming? and fusion is not really same class.

 

sure, if you like spending birthdays and holidays and all your days at the dealer.

 

New York auto show debutes the Plug In?

 

Yep someone will need to merge all the threads created for this can't blame anyone, we are all exited

 

Previously posted earlier in this thread (by @Navigare):

 

Hopefully - uhh...can I buy the floor model? I want to hedge my bets without fully knowing its specs and price...but I should be able to get a discount,r ight?

 

I like rear-end look better than the current hatchback. I wonder if the shape and Cd is different?

No wonder why very minor fender benders cost so much to repair nowadays. That wrap around lens looks expensive.