So this is just for the facelift then? That's impressive when you realise all they will be doing is tweaking the electical system and not modifying any of the mechnical bits. "The lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter, and have greater electrical output." Forgot to add they like to explode when subject to a hard impact.
I would take this claim with a grain of salt - actually make that a 5 kgs block. The original Prius never lived up to its claimed economy in day to day driving and Toyota really had a lot of explaining to do there. Whilst I do admire the engineering prowess of Toyota and I do believe the next Prius will make good strides forward in economy, I would not expect such amazing numbers - and Toyota better shut up for now otherwise it may end up with more egg on its face.
?????????????? 250 mpg????????????? Would like to see the schematics on that! I suppose if you got the engine to run only in rare cases and used the electric motor for most ofthe work...hmmm...but how?
i hope it offers a better exterior cause this one is looks like a handicapmobile (no offense towards the handicaps)
you plug it in...kind of blurs the lines between electric car and hybrid, but it sure saves a lot of gas. here's the article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/08/wip_modified_hy.php
To be honest, I appreciate the looks of the Prius. It's more of a utility vehicle afterall and not half bad at looking the part. And I've always thought the car looked much more expensive then it really is.
OK, this makes sense: put if you plug it in to the grid, am not sure how the saving on fuel would compare to the extra expense on electricity. Still, good to see peopel experimenting like this. We need more innovative individuals solving the problems rather than relying on big companies...
Exactly, especially since a lot of the power plants that produce electricity are still burning fossil fuels (among others using nuclear and hydroelectric power, among other things).
To be fair, Toyota have done well but they really to have a hybrid motor that can give a solid 120 hp uniquely to the road. Once that is possible, then the flexibility of the total car will increase and the fuel economy numbers will be much improved.
