4th generation coming 2015!

Bit old news, but I would like to see Toyota make regular Prius more substantial as a highway touring car. I mean, it's not horrible when the going get tough up steeper terrian with bumpy roads, but it could certainly be better.

That Motortrend pic is a joke. 4th Gen won't look much like it.

I say keep the 50 MPG average but concentrate on making regular Prius more substantial on the highway. Right now, Accord, camry and Fusion, etc can far outdo Prius on the highway, up steep terrain, etc .. the overall feel of a Camry must be a lot better. I don't know if Prius can ever match the feel of a Camry, but they should aim for it.

 

After driving around in luxury crossovers all day I was disappointed to get back in my Prius. I mean I don't expect it to ride as solid and quietly as the $47k Audi Q5 but the creaks and rattles are disappointing.

 

Your not going to buy a vag group car are you

-Tapatalk

 

That's why Toyota has Lexus.

 

you mean more weight? But if you want Prius to be more like Camry, why not just get Camry? Or Fusion?

 

Yeah but we cant get the feel of Camry in smaller, cheaper, lighter vehicle. So if people want "solidity" and "drive" of an Camry, Camry is an great choice... or Avalon... or ES300h... or Fusion for that matter.

 

Someone mentioned it EV40, but ev 90 would make more sense.
Maybe some stiff competition in another 2 more years.

But what do I know, I thought they would be using lithium by 2010.

Sounds like they may stay with NiMH for the standard version.
Quote : " Surprisingly, the regular Prius will keep its nickel-metal hydride batteries, with advanced lithium-ion tech reserved for the plug-in model. Toyota engineers still feel the cheaper, old-style batteries manage power delivery better when it comes to intensive use and charging."

Alan...
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I am not crazy about the "new look" if the rumor mill is true...

 

No kidding? I really like it. It does have more of a masculine flair... Sportier looking to me. The current Prius has a little bit of the Love Bug look with the rounded edges in front and back.
But a lot of people loved the way the Love Bug looked too.

My guess about the NiMh Batteries is because they're factory that makes them does not make lithium.

Alan...
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IMHO Toyota's engineers learned a lot during the PiP pre-production test phase. Lion batteries are not always the best option. With the respect to Toyota's production volume they will easely negotiate a good contract for the Lion supply.

 

Tony, your article uses Pounds Sterling as a currency, and so very likely is using Imperial Gallons, not US Gallons, and the European gas mileage test, not EPA tests.

Gen 3 gets 72.4 MPG Imperial in Europe currently, so 90 MPG Imperial is not as big a leap as it would seem to US readers. (Perhaps 62 MPG in US Gallons on an EPA test)

 

Ah, you know how to burst a bubble!

Alan...
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I am happy that Toyota under promises and over delivers. Over promising destroys your reputation.

(As part of my pre-employment forms, my new (in 1988) employer wanted a paycheck sub from my old employer. I sent them a stub from Toronto, and they matched my previous pay. At the time the Canadian dollar was only worth 0.68 cents US, so matching my pay was almost 50% raise in income. I tend to notice currency conversions!)

 

Well, even 62mpg is an improvement. And not too shabby an improvement at that. 20% with ICE hybrid technology is impressive. There is only so much you can do with it.

 

Having looked at the chemistry, I get the impression some of the lithium cells begin making inert by-products over time. So far, I've not seen any evidence of NiMH cycle-limited, chemical changes. Keep the electrolyte properly hydrated and it appears the chemistry is free from any cycle-related, generation of inert products.

Bob Wilson

 

That may be true, but isn't what battery type that's best for one version also best
For the other?

Doesn't make sense to put a battery with properties likely to haunt them later in their most premium models? "being the pips"

That's why I'm thinking it's about money.

Lithium supplies are expensive and limited compared to NiMh that the market has starting turning its back on.

I think I remembered they have 80 percent ownership in a big battery factory that only makes NiMh.

If they turn their backs on their own plant or force it to completely retool and revamp it would be an expensive loss...And foolish use of resources unless forced to do do.
Especially with others turning away lessening the NiMh demand already.

I would thing with NiMH demand dropping. They should be getting quite cheap compared to lithium.

Why not milk the use of NiMh as long as they can as that will mean a cheaper car and/or more profit?

I hate to be a conspirist but usually what I hear CEOs release to the media is designed to give the best impression and so make the most money.


Alan...
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No, not necessarily.
Each chemistry has specific traits. The most important trait in one model car may not be the most important in another.
I am not saying you are wrong, it may be about ownership in the battery plant you mentioned.
But there are other factors to keep in mind as well.