Toyota quashes Prius rumours

[jpak]

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/Environmental/0,,1369-1372-2294_2193230,00.html

Tokyo - Introduction of the next version of Toyota's hit Prius petrol-electric hybrid won't hinge on the development of a more efficient battery called lithium-ion, a senior Toyota executive said on Friday.

The executive brushed off a recent Wall Street Journal report that said Toyota was delaying the launch of the next-generation Prius by a year or two because of problems in developing the lithium-ion battery. Hybrids on sale now use nickel-metal-hydride batteries.

The Toyota official, who requested anonymity, said he was puzzled by the report. He said various innovations for the next Prius are being considered - not just the lithium-ion battery.

He said some type of lithium-ion battery is preferable for hybrid vehicles in the long run because it is lighter and pack more power than nickel-metal-hydride batteries. He acknowledged that the lithium-ion battery had not been perfected.

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[Nimrod2005]

1. I plan to buy one of those improved ones as soon as they come out, we have one

now

[Javaman]

2. would rather have a plug-in diesel hybrid. I can dream. nt

[kestrel91316]

3. Plug-in BIODIESEL hybrid. Car of my dreams.

[Javaman]

4. That's the one! nt

[GliderGuider]

5. Any diesel will run on biodiesel.

I drive a Jetta TDI, which I bought two years ago for the express purpose of running on biodiesel. Now that I actually understand about biodiesel I refuse to use it. I simply drive less.
Friends don't let friends use biofuels. They are the devil's brew. :evilfrown:

[Javaman]

6. Well I would still like the option of being able to drive a vehicle that won't be dependant

upon fossil fuels.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. What about greasel?