Toyota Delays Plug-In Hybrid

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ruaqt @ Aug 9 2007, 11:24 PM) [snapback]493365[/snapback]</div>

This is my feeling too.

I suspect that Toyota engineers are very troubled that they are lagging behind with an inferior battery technology (lithium-cobalt-oxide) and can't get access to the newer chemistries. It really does sound like Panasonic EV can't do nanotech or lithium-iron-phosphate, or lithium titanate, which is really what you need to be able to compete in the emerging PHEV race.

Perhaps Panasonic EV have asked for more time to redevelop using an appropriate chemistry?

Also, as far as I am aware, GM has not solicited a bid from Altair nanotech (which produce the true uber-battery), so perhaps Toyota/Panasonic EV still has a chance of licensing the lithium-titanate technology from them?

 

When they get a real, full hybrid (or electric) in production, available in quantity on dealer lots, selling in volume because they are priced right and proving to be reliable vehicles, then and only then will there will be a race..

All else is business as usual, hype and promises....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gadgetdad @ Aug 10 2007, 09:03 AM) [snapback]493281[/snapback]</div>

Ken, are you sure they have access to the A123 type batteries? I suspect the appearance of the new nano-tech type batteries has scrambled their engineers to re-evaluate all of their designs. Otherwise there is a very real possibility that GM will pull out into the PHEV lead. My own view is that Toyota has been really shaken by the exceptional progress of A123/Altair/Valence etc.
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Too late! A-123 announced today a partnership with GM to develop batteries for the Volt!
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I'm saying Toyota is testing every possible Li-ion batteries including from competitors.
They also tests every new vehicle such as Mercedes, BMW and maybe GM.

Ken@Japan