I have a first generation plug in with a green sticker so I can drive in the HOV lane alone. The green sticker is good until the end of 2018. This second generation plug in is not going to be good enough to qualify for the next program in California...what is Toyota going to do to have a car that meets their requirements?
I am not sure that is an accurate statement. The 2017 Volt is an approved vehicle. The Prime can't be evaluated until they have one to test: From the Cal EPA website: In general, vehicles that meet the Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle or TZEV requirement qualify. These can include plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen internal combustion engine (hydrogen ICE) vehicles. In order to be certified as an TZEV, PHEVs and hydrogen ICE vehicles must: Meet California's most stringent tailpipe emission standard Have zero evaporative emissions Have a 15 yr/150K mile warranty on the emissions system and; Have a 10 yr/150K warranty on the zero emission energy storage system.
Since the next program hasn't been announced, I would say it's a little premature to say the Prime doesn't qualify. I can answer your question though, it's called Mirai.
Yes, California has not announced the requirements, but it is only two years away. California and Toyota must be working on something.... I doubt it will be the prime at 22 miles EV mode...that is really a weak solution... Is toyota falling behind the EV power curve?
My understanding there is an early proposal to extend the PHEV HOV program, and we should hear about it being tacked onto a bill for Gov Brown signature by about June_2016. Presumably the newly announced PiP2 (officially called Prime) will qualify, if the PHEV HOV program is eventually extended. If you hypothetically say Prime is not good enough, that pretty much rules out PiP1, PiP2, CMax, Fusion, etc etc up to Volt will be the only PHEV left standing? I don't see that, but anything is possible.
The green sticker program has been extended at least twice, both in terms of number of vehicles, and the expiration date, since it's inception. The current number of stickers is equal to that of the old yellow sticker program, which also saw a similar set of extensions during it's tenure, but it was eventually allowed to sunset, as will the green sticker program. If past experience is any guide, I doubt we'll see the green sticker program extended in any way at this point. As with the yellow sticker program, the green sticker program has served it's purpose: to entice people into adopting advanced technologies for reducing emissions. I can see the white sticker program being extended long before the green stickers, which is why my next car will be an EV, which at this point is probably going to be the Chevy Bolt, unless the Model 3 proves to be worthy of a year+ wait...
toyota is not falling behind the ev curve, they're on a whole nuther track. your best bet is to go with the car that gets the sticker. it doesn't have to be a toyota, but it may be.
The thing is CARB has committed to do "whatever it takes" to make plug-ins sell, and right now, more green HOV stickers is probably what it's going to take.
I'll say it again. It's called Mirai. Toyota is not falling behind, it is choosing a different path entirely. Damn straight. CARB Chair And Her Love Of The Toyota Mirai and Fuel Cell Tech
I love my PiP. But when it's loan is up next year, I plan to replace it with a Chevy Bolt or a Tesla Model 3 (depending upon who can deliver first). I love the idea of the Mirai, but the price of the car doesn't justify using it as a daily commuter. The Tesla or Chevy can more easily (and cheaply) fulfill that roll. The PiP will be given to my wife to drive so she has HOV access for a while. so we're far from abandoning our love of Toyota.
