Came across this artical, just released a few days ago. Email this Release | Printer-Friendly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hybrid Technologies, Inc. 'OTCBB:HYBT' Set to Launch New York City Lithium Taxi NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/10/2006 -- Hybrid Technologies initiates development of state of the art Yellow Cab, lithium taxi designed to replace NYC Yellow Cab Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: HYBT) www.hybridtechnologies.com emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium powered products worldwide, announces that, pursuant to negotiations with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), Hybrid Technologies will build a taxi version of the lithium PT Cruiser. To view the Hybrid produced L-PT Cruiser click here: http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/media.php?mediaID=060510.
If Chrysler was smart They would have a hybrid PT Cruiser allready! I think it the only car that's out there now that would give the Prius so serious sales competition. Mostly because it's also a hatchback and the either love it or hate it styling. Too bad Chrysler is asleep at the switch.
I'm sure computer-familiar forum members will remember the term "VAPORWARE". [The title given future computer software some of which NEVER happened after having been announced.] Why do I get the feeling that vaporware might be an appropriate description of these announcements? I'll believe it when I see it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ May 19 2006, 09:59 AM) [snapback]258114[/snapback]</div> I'm pretty sure that hybridtechnologies is manufacturing these retrofits. They've reported picking up some nice contracts in the past 5 months. They do at times seem more technology demos, but it does seem like a shipping product. I sent an email in to them to check it out. http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/products.php
If you check the specs of the PT Cruiser hybrid described here, I don't see it as a viable taxi. It only has a 100 Mi range and requires 8 hours to recharge. Taxi drivers can't survive on only 100 miles a day. The battery complement weights 660 lbs. I don't think the Prius is in any danger. When Toyouta comes out with the next version of the Prius, which is supposed to be with Lithium Ion batteries, I think that will put them 10 years ahead again. (note, the battery pack here is rated at 1500+ recharges. That equates to about 4 1/2 years of daily recharges between battery replacement. An expensive proposition I'm sure.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hwalker911 @ May 19 2006, 05:58 AM) [snapback]257979[/snapback]</div> I work in Burbank CA, and City Cab has switched much of their fleet in this area to the Prius. The yellow & black Prii have been spotted in Studio City as well.
