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Read the rest of this articlePlug-in hybrids: 2012 Toyota Prius mimics the Chevy Volt
Until now, Toyota has taken a hands-off approach to plug-in hybrids largely due to the wild success of the Prius. That’s changed now with Toyota’s announcement that by 2012, it will be manufacturing a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius. The timing highlights how focused GM needs to be in maintaining its two year lead with the competing Chevy Volt.
Pricing for the 2012 Toyota Prius is expected to hover around $47,000 which is a bit higher than GM’s $40,000 projected starting price. Both automakers are supposedly targeting the mass market, but consumers will need to dig deep in order to justify investing that much in a car. This announcement also has battery manufacturers watching closely because Toyota’s joint venture with Panasonic will create new undulations in the market.
As Toyota and Panasonic ramp up production of lithium-ion batteries to meet demand for the 2012 Toyota Prius, it may mean a large new competitor for existing battery manufacturers. A competitor with a massive, loyal customer built in to the deal. But, that could send other automakers on a search to find startups with big ideas and starving for investors.
Right now GM has a price lead with its Chevy Volt shipping in about a year, but that could quickly change if Toyota tweaks its manufacturing processes and decides to play hardball. GM is newly emerged from bankruptcy and has less facility to compete on costs.
Plug-in hybrids represent the next revolution in automotive transportation for many, and the idea of avoiding the gas pump entirely is alluring. Realizing that dream doesn’t eliminate some logistical problems though, particularly for people who park their cars in places without electrical outlets. For those the 2012 Prius and Chevy Volt become glorified versions of existing hybrid cars, no doubt a big reason Toyota has entered the scene slowly.
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Comments
Before writing an article, how about learning something about the subject? This site sucks - the Prius plug-in won't be an effectiv competitot, with a hybrid approach and a mere 12 miles of electric driving range. get with it, jerks.
While I strongly disagree with the tone of the last commenter, you are indeed comparing apples to oranges. The Prius will have 12 (possibly more) miles electric range (if it stays under freeway speeds), and the Volt will have 40 miles driven completely electrically at all speeds. That said, I'm sure Toyota will reduce the price to reflect the difference in performance and capabilities.
Even though the plug-in Toyota Prius will have fewer miles per gallon, it still competes in the same space as the Chevy Volt. Consumers will have to decide between the Toyota brand's reputation with a lower mpg rating and potentially higher price, OR the Chevy Volt's brand name, higher mpg rating, and completely new (untested in the mainstream) design.
The article said the all electric range would be "30 km" which works out to 18 miles not 12 miles. Lets assume the real world range is 15 miles for the Prius. Next, the price of the Prius is unlikely to be "47,000." An article I read said the price was "comparable" with the iMev which costs $47,000 before government subsidies. A Prius with a $2000 NiMH battery sells for $22,000. Lets say you put in 6 kWh battery would add perhaps $6000 to that price, or $28,000. So why does the Plug-in Prius cost about twenty thousand more?