I was about to purchase a 2009 a few months ago when I became aware of the upcoming release of the 2010. I decided to wait for the new technology, and buy the 2010. Now I am concerned that, within a year or so, the 2010 could be old technology since Toyota is close to releasing a plug-in/lithium battery model. So many people are axiously awaiting THATcar. Of course plug-ins are coming from Toyota and other manufacturers, but the question is how soon? It seems to me that, if that occurs within a year or so by Toyota, a lot of 2010 buyers may have wished they had waited. I don't have the luxury of trading-up within a year of purchase; and would prefer not to invest in 2010 Prius if plug-ins/lithium release is around the corner. I was wondering what you, the experts, think: buy now or wait?
I won't pretend to know when the plug ins will be available for sale, and don't know if anyone really does, but if having plug-in technology is more important to you than having a new car then by all means wait. If you old car has seen better days and it's time to get a newer one, then I would go with the 2010. It may even be possible to modify an older battery car to accept plug in technology by then as well, at added expense of course. I know it's not an easy decision, but you have to be honest with yourself as to why you want this car. I am in the same boat as you deciding between the 2009 and 2010 and I am probably going to wait until the 2011s simply because I buy new cars to keep forever and I can't get the options I want in a 2010 Prius without doing major aftermarket modifications or paying a lot of money for things I don't want.
Ive heard there is a problem with lithium in that it naturally ages so batteries would need replacing after 3-5 years irrespective of mileage. Anyone else heard this? Or is it just laptop and mobile phone batteries. NiMh dont suffer same
This news makes one wonder what it would take to get one of the 500 leases coming next year: Toyota to lease plug-in Prius in the U.S. in 2010 Toyota to lease plug-in Prius in the U.S. in 2010 - AutoSpies Auto News
This is discussed in the thread What's your guess on li-ion / plug-in? I really doubt the 2011 will see any significant changes in the hybrid technology. Maybe 2012, but even then I think it might be quite expensive initially.
Also, decide how much you want to be a Gen 1 adopter. Even Toyota isn't going to get it perfect the first time around. NiMH battery packaging and transaxles in our Prii is a good example. G1 had kinks that have been markedly improved.
As has been reported here, the Plug-In 2010 cars that will be available in the US will be leased (only) to fleet customers this year. To my knowledge, there are no plans yet to sell, lease or otherwise provide Plug-In hybrids to the general public yet. That said, I would have to assume that the fleet vehicles are going to be tested to see the real-world results of various configurations. Once this phase is done, we could eventually see them sold, assuming that the tests show that it would be practical to build, at a reasonable price point. I would love to get one, and if I knew for sure, I would wait a year for it. However, since all sources indicate that it is not likely for several more years, I cannot wait that long for a new car, and will be happy with the 2010 Prius the way it is for now.
I did ask about lithium batteries at my dealership and the salesman said the battery makers still haven't solved the problem of excess heat from them. I don't know if that is a problem, but that's what he said. Rich N.
I bought the 2009, and am very happy with it. I decided to pass on the 2010 at this time for multiple reasons. Even if Toyota came out with the PHEV Prius, and possibly Li technology batteries in a year or two, I'd want to wait a couple of years more, to allow some time to resolve any potential issues. The current NiMH batteries are proven technology. I read somewhere that by 2020, all of Toyota's fleet will be hybrids. So there will obviously be a lot of new introductions over the next few years.
The last I read Toyota has no plans to sell a PHEV to retail customers until at least 2012-12. As others have said, if you need a car, buy one. If not wait for the PHEV.
"Aging is a concern with most lithium-ion batteries and many manufacturers remain silent about this issue. Some capacity deterioration is noticeable after one year, whether the battery is in use or not. The battery frequently fails after two or three years. It should be noted that other chemistries also have age-related degenerative effects. This is especially true for nickel-metal-hydride if exposed to high ambient temperatures. At the same time, lithium-ion packs are known to have served for five years in some applications. "Manufacturers are constantly improving lithium-ion. New and enhanced chemical combinations are introduced every six months or so. With such rapid progress, it is difficult to assess how well the revised battery will age." -- from Is lithium-ion the ideal battery? on BatteryUniversity.com. The author is talking about consumer batteries, though, not large-format car applications. We know that Toyota were pretty horrified at Panasonic's failure levels with their standard D-size NiMH cells at the beginning of the Prius project. There's some good stuff in "The Prius That Shook The World".
