Toyota to test plug-in in California

Darn. They'll be picking from Northern California AAA members, and I'm in Southern California.

It will be a relatively short test drive: 2 months for each guinea pig. Still it would be fun.

 

cool i'm norcal

 

Howdy folks who don't live in Norcal.

UCD? Check. In my back yard.
AAA? Check. Member since the 80's.
NorCal? Check.
Fulfill all requirements? Check.
One the list? *snicker*

 

Damn, AAA member. I was since the 1970s, but since my Prius came with some sort of towing benefit and since the power train is waranteed for 100,000 here I dropped AAA in '04. Considering others must be in the same situation I am in that sure reduces the pool of eligible drivers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 1 2007, 09:26 AM) [snapback]533423[/snapback]</div>

It certainly isn't a sure thing, but it looks good. I'm guessing they'll make me sign something in regard to not removing the ICE and stuffing in more batteries. We'll see.

 

if anyone on Priuschat is lucky enough to be picked, you MUST provide full and complete minute by minute details of your experiences!!

 

if anyone on Priuschat is lucky enough to be picked, you MUST provide full and complete minute by minute details of your experiences!!

 

Ah damn. Just heard me some decidedly bad news on this. But hey, we'll see.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 1 2007, 10:24 AM) [snapback]533450[/snapback]</div>

If you only let people in a single segment of drivers test it, what have you learned? The idea is to see if the thing will have mass appeal. While *I* personally have somewhat non-standard driving habits, my wife drives 11,000 miles/ year in the EV. We'd have her drive the PHEV as often as not. If there is one thing I know how to do, it is to test things. No worries there.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 1 2007, 09:08 AM) [snapback]533412[/snapback]</div>

I don't have UC Davis in my back yard, but I have the other requirements as well. I e-mailed CSAA regarding this test and to my surprise, I got a reponce in under an hour! I will post the actual reply later, for now the scoop is that a random sample of AAA (Auto club, not the former drinkers) will be chosen to test the Plug-ins. To protect the validity of the test, they do not take volunteers (I was shamelessly seeking to be one). I do not know yet if the sample picked to test the cars will be chosen from just experienced Prius owners or from all car owners.

More later. B)

Lee

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gadgetdad @ Nov 1 2007, 02:05 PM) [snapback]533551[/snapback]</div>

Being a Prius own may in fact be a detriment.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 1 2007, 12:08 PM) [snapback]533412[/snapback]</div>

Sorry Darel ... they slamed the door in your face, shutting down the list in record time (snicker ) Heck, how much smug can we take!
Hey!
If they open it up to So Cal too, someone better give me a call. I don't want to ba any lower on the list than #2.

 

Here is the reply I got from CSAA "Greenlight Initiative" upon asking to be considered for the study:

Thanks for your interest in the PHEV study. In order to maintain the scientific integrity of the study, the UC Davis researchers are not taking volunteers. Participants will be selected at random from our membership based on the research requirements of the study. If you meet the citeria, you will be notified via mail in 2008. If you wish to learn more about PHEV's and other alternative fuels, please visit the Greenlight Initiaive website at www.aaa.com/greenlight."

Does anybody know if the study will be using Prius owners only? Surely there is a PriusChat participant or two at UC Davis!


Lee

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gadgetdad @ Nov 1 2007, 07:09 PM) [snapback]533668[/snapback]</div>

I am milking this JC for all it's worth and won't be at Davis till the end of 2008.