Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, James Lentz, the president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., announced that Toyota would release its version of a plug-in hybrid towards the end of 2009, a year ahead of schedule. This would put its release date ahead of the Chevrolet Volt, perhaps giving it a first-entrant advantage over the American counterpart.
Toyota plans on releasing only about 500 vehicles for commercial customers at the outset, with 150 of those plug-ins destined for the United States. G.M. plans to release its Volt plug-in to the public at large by the end of 2010. With this strategy, it is reasonable to speculate that Toyota is looking for real-world feedback from its first consumers, giving the company the opportunity to improve and perfect its product by the time the Chevrolet Volt is released.
The plug-ins will be powered by lithium-ion batteries.
To read more about the announcement, read the original article.
One Comment. Ping.
John Cielinski
What is happening with the RAV4 EV plug in that has already been successfully road tested in the US and had a growing demand from keen buyers? It’s time to ditch dirty gas vehicles and go all electric. The demand is there. No more excuses please! Any patents limiting the production of more efficient batteries should be scrapped! This is the time to get serious about saving the planet.
Nothing matters more!
Sep 18th, 2009