Featured 54 organizations demand Toyota shift to EVs globally as new CEO steps in

I am getting my fifth Toyota—a black Prius Prime SE—and my third Prius in a month or two. Toyota has not been able to drive away this repeat customer yet.

If you would not consider anything but a pure BEV, of course a Prius PHEV is not the right option for you, and this is a moot discussion.

In my case:

• Prius PHEV is far cheaper than Model 3.
• Prius PHEV has three times the range of Model 3.
• Prius PHEV is more reliable than Model 3.
• Prius PHEV comes with tried-and-true safety features such as BSM but Model 3 does not.
• Prius PHEV's TSS 3.0+ is more standardized and user-friendly than Tesla's questionable Autopilot (just like my preference for USB-C over lightning connector).
• Prius PHEV doesn't require me to spend $5,000 to install a 240-V outlet in my detached garage.
• Prius PHEV's fuel tank fills up in less than 5 minutes and there are far more gas stations than EV charging stations out there.
• In California, gas could be cheaper than electricity for a fuel-efficient car like Prius PHEV.
• I don't have to deal with a different Tesla problem like the Model 3 is stalling on the left lane, other people driving your car away with their phones, etc. on a monthly basis.
• etc., etc.

 

Strong finish, sweet mic drop!

 

• Toyota has not released any pricing for the new Prius Prime in the US yet. If the estimates hold true, a Model 3 could be cheaper between incentives and dealer mark ups. The Tesla is a more readily available car.
• The Model 3 RWD has 6 to 7 times the range for those that don't want to use gasoline.
• Odds are it will be, but this is also a first model year. Even Toyota reliability can nose dive for those.
• BSM is part of Lane Assist, which included is with basic Autopilot.
• CR's ratings of ADAS ease of use is the same for Autopilot and TSS 3.0.
• You are only required to install Level 2 AC is your daily driving is over 30 to 40 miles, and the BEV has a range under 200 miles. Because of the previous PP's short range, and people's desire to not use gas, many installed Level 2 for it.
• Which is good for those willing to burn gas on trips. Note, I am one of those people.
• Good if cheap operation is the goal.
• Toyota had to recall a large number of Prius, sometimes more than once, over stalling on the highway with potential rear ending. The driving away with wrong car was a really low probability event, or a publicity stunt. What you actually like about the Prius here is that it isn't a news worthy car.

 

Mostly I agree with

But I would like to share my observations:

• CR's ratings of ADAS ease of use is the same for Autopilot and TSS 3.0. - I have grown skeptical of CR for a long series of poor reports starting with Prius screwups. Has there been something recently published? I can swing by the library to read their copy.
• You are only required to install Level 2 AC is your daily driving is over 30 to 40 miles, and the BEV has a range under 200 miles. Because of the previous PP's short range, and people's desire to not use gas, many installed Level 2 for it. - A little nit picking, L2 comes in two voltages, 208 VAC for 3-phase facilities and 240 VAC for split-phase found in North American residential. The L2 charge rate is current limited by the onboard AC-to-DC charger and adds 28-31 miles of EV range for every charging hour for my Tesla Model 3. The lower voltage, 110-120 VAC sockets are usually 12-15 A limited. This typically adds 5-6 miles of range for every charge hour.
• Good if cheap operation is the goal. - Also a function of local utility rates. The Northeast and California are currently screwed.

EVs can fully meet the vast majority of driving requirements but they are different. Not everyone can master the new skills needed.

Bob Wilson

 

I demand Toyota hybridizes its entire fleet and produces 40k PHEVs monthly before focusing on EVs. That would have a MUCH bigger impact on the emissions given the limited supply and difficulty building EV batteries.

 

First, there was no “demand” made of Toyota. They asked.
I can see why you would assume they did demand, as it is right in the thread title. This is how clickbait works.

Second, I would love for Toyota to do what you listed. You will have to ask them why the haven’t.

Third, the battery supply lines are only limited for manufactures that didn’t build up supply lines.

 

When all but one car manufacture go only EV, the remaining one will have a good worldwide market share.

JeffD

 

Of a dwindling market with low margins.

 

I know they killed off Land Cruiser couple years ago for USA ..... BUT doesn't toyota sell it elsewhere?

 

For you maybe that is an accurate number. But I installed my L2 charger, (used mostly for my Prius PHEV) for about $1000
My model 3 gets charged for free at work

I spent more time filling up my PHEV with gas than charging it or charging my M3 where I park at work

As long as we are comparing specific personal costs...can't get better than free charging!

And you forgot. You still have to get oil changes in a PHEV.

Also you might still have a thief cut out your catalytic converter, leaving your car unusable, unsellable and depreciating while you wait 6 months or more for a replacement. This happened to me last week. Yes, my Toyota dealer has 60 people on the waiting list ahead of me and they are estimating 6 months to get it fixed after I leave it with them. It is not sellable, at least in CA since you need a smog check on DMV transfer which it would fail.

The kicker is that my insurance company says I still have to pay the full insurance while at the dealer because that is not considered, legally, in storage; and the dealer is not liable for the car. I know this sounds wrong but I went through this long ago with my first car. The dealer was test driving after a front end alignment and got T-boned and my car was totalled. The dealer was not at fault so paid nothing. They even wanted payment for the completed work! 3rd party had to pay and their big insurance company screwed me.
(Note I can change the comprehensive deductible but that saves me $8 and would be the most likely claim)

Mike

 

The cost in my case is high because I need to bring a line to my detached garage.

 

Yep, that will raise the price a bit.
For me, my first cost $245. For the people that bought my house, it won’t cost anything.

For my current house, I had the garage wired when we built. The cost was negligible, and I will most likely never need to do it again.

Again, if we are comparing personal costs, my cost to fuel at home is about $0.25/gallon (when compared to a 50mpg car).

 

But I imagine you are driving a car that would compare more to a 25 - 35 mpg ICE car.

Mike

 

I had so much trouble wrapping my head around the hypothetical
Efficiency has been at the top of my list since my first Prius.

You are spot on though, the two door Mini Cooper has a combine EPA rating of 31. That would make my estimated cost to about $0.15/gallon.

Thank you for the mental exercise

 

Your garage has no electricity?
That must really limit home projects after dark. My parents (neighboring city to you - Bellflower) since the 1960s been in same house had no garage power. ¼ century later he bought a used 3-axis Clausing mill. Wire, conduit, breakers, J box etc were the cheap part. The used 3-phase rotary converter motor - THAT was pricy .... nearly $400. Shows how badly our dollar has collapsed.
You COULD just trench for a 20amp120v line ... that'd be relatively inexpensive. Charging would be slow - but at least you'd have lights.
.

 

It does, but it is connected to the common meter.

 

Get other quotes. That is really high! Maybe if they need to upgrade your breaker box…

 

One of their big 4x4 trucks that's been hybridized gets 19 mpg. Not much to write home about - tho better than the straight ice version. An ev version like Rivian, & Ford has done & Chevy is doing yields a better epa result. And when recharged off rooftop solar? Suoer win.
.