"Toyota is confident of retaining its leading position in hybrid cars despite growing competition, the Japanese firm's chairman said Monday ahead of the International Motor Show (IAA) here. Watanabe expressed confidence that lithium-ion batteries could be used in hybrid cars after some press reports said their development had been delayed. Development is ongoing and it is possible that it may take a little time, but we have not yet finalised the calendar, the Toyota boss said. According to reports, Toyota is concerned the batteries could get too hot and ignite, and Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto acknowledged that the question of security is essential." more at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070910/bs_af...SPCce6WsLflyREB
I'm sure they're downplaying it and saying they don't work so that other companies can feel relaxed/confident that even the leader can't do it. We'll see what surprise they have in stall for us.
I'm sure they're downplaying it and saying they don't work so that other companies can feel relaxed/confident that even the leader can't do it. We'll see what surprise they have in stall for us.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 11 2007, 09:38 PM) [snapback]511004[/snapback]</div> Exactly my thought. I would certainly do it if I were them. It is unimaginable that the head of Toyota doesn't know about lithium chemistries which don't explode. Nevertheless, he speaks about them like a complete fool. Who cares that cobalt-based lithium batteries explode if almost everyone there knows the answer to that. Their 8-mile plug-in version with the two NiMH batteries fits in with this line perfectly. They can develop their plugin and nobody gets worried since they believe it is a no-go. Then Toyota simply starts selling a 20-mile or 30-mile PHEV with an advanced battery pack and all of the other auto makers get a shock.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 11 2007, 09:38 PM) [snapback]511004[/snapback]</div> Exactly my thought. I would certainly do it if I were them. It is unimaginable that the head of Toyota doesn't know about lithium chemistries which don't explode. Nevertheless, he speaks about them like a complete fool. Who cares that cobalt-based lithium batteries explode if almost everyone there knows the answer to that. Their 8-mile plug-in version with the two NiMH batteries fits in with this line perfectly. They can develop their plugin and nobody gets worried since they believe it is a no-go. Then Toyota simply starts selling a 20-mile or 30-mile PHEV with an advanced battery pack and all of the other auto makers get a shock.
