2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Gets Price Cut

There’s been a trend of automakers slashing the price of their plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles as consumer interest in saving gas money grows. Toyota has finally got on the price-cutting train, cutting up to $4,600 from the price of the top-trim Prius Plug-In. But is that enough to help what have thus far been tepid sales?

It’s not that the Toyota Prius Plug-In hasn’t been selling; Toyota sold about 12,500 Prius Plug-Ins last year, only just missing their goal of 15,000 units. But through September of 2013, fewer than 8,000 Prius Plug-Ins have left dealer lots, making it unlikely that Toyota will exceed 2012 sales levels unless the hybrid gets a big boost.

That boost comes in the form of a $2,010 price cut off the cheapest Prius Plug-In model, dropping the MSRP to $29,990, as well as being eligible for a $2,500 Federal tax credit, dropping the effective price to $27,490. The top-trim Prius Plug-In Advanced, meanwhile, gets a $4,600 price cut, bringing the MSRP down to $34,905; with the $2,500 tax credit the price drops to $32,405.

The Toyota Prius Plug-In offers an all-electric driving range of just 11 miles, however, which is only one-third of the driving range of the segment-leading Chevy Volt. Ford’s one-two combo of the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi is also outpacing sales of the Toyota, which many thought would take a commanding lead in the growing market for plug-in hybrids. With the competition having already slashed prices on EVs and plug-in hybrids though, are Toyota’s efforts too little, too late?

Is this price cut enough to get Toyota back in the running, or is this the first chink in the armor of the once-indomitable Prius brand of hybrids?

 Source: Toyota | Image: Tom Raftery

Volt top-selling plug-in vehicle in US in May, followed by Prius PHV

Chevrolet Volt was the top-selling plug-in vehicle from the top six automakers in May, posting 1,680 units, compared to 481 in May 2011. Year-to-date sales for the Volt have risen to 7,057 units, compared to 2,184 units for the same period last year.
The Prius PHV plug-in hybrid followed, with 1,086 units sold, representing 5.1% of the 21,477 units of the full Prius family sold in May. (The Prius liftback accounted for 60.8% (13,053 units) of family sales; the Prius c, 17.2% (3,693); and the Prius v, 17.0% (3,645).)
Sales of the Nissan LEAF were 510 units in May 2012, down from the 1,142 units sold in May 2011. Calendar year-to-date sales for the LEAF are 2,613 units, up from 2,167 for the same period in 2011.
Combined sales of the Volt, Prius PHV and LEAF represented about 0.25% of total US light-duty vehicle sales (1,334,600 units, according to Autodata), or about 0.6% of the combined sales of GM, Toyota and Nissan. Volt sales represented 0.68% of all GM vehicle sales; Prius PHV represented 0.53% of all Toyota vehicles sales; and LEAF represented 0.56% of all Nissan vehicle sales.
Additionally in May, Ford delivered the first Focus Electric vehicles to retail customers.


Source: Green Car Congress

Panasonic Group confirms it will supply Li-ion batteries for Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Panasonic Group will supply the lithium-ion batteries for Toyota Motor Corporation’s Prius Plug-in Hybrid. (Earlier post.) This will be the first time for the Panasonic Group to supply its lithium-ion batteries for a mass production plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Li-ion cell for Prius PHV. Click to enlarge.

Given the growing public concern for conserving the environment and escalating oil prices, the demand for rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles is expected to grow rapidly. In response to this, the Panasonic Group is enhancing its development abilities and strengthening its business for rechargeable batteries for vehicles.

The Panasonic Group is already supplying nickel-metal hydride batteries and systems for hybrid vehicles to a number of automobile makers globally and is also carrying out joint development of lithium-ion battery systems for hybrid vehicles with other car manufacturers.

The Panasonic Group intends to accelerate the development and commercialization of high performance rechargeable batteries for vehicles and further expand its rechargeable battery business globally.

Toyota starts taking orders for soon-to-be-launched Prius PHV plug-in hybrid in Japan; targeting 35,000-40,000 units per year

Prius PHV S. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has begun taking orders through Toyota dealers around Japan for the Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid). TMC will launch the vehicle in Japan on 30 January 2012. The Prius PHV will be sold by all Toyota, Toyopet, Toyota Corolla and Netz dealers in Japan; the sales target in Japan is 35,000 to 40,000 units per year.

With its new high-capacity lithium-ion battery fully charged, the Prius PHV’s EV-mode cruising range is 26.4 km (16.4 miles), and PHV fuel efficiency is 61.0 km/L (143 mpg US, 1.64 L/100km), calculated from combined EV and HV driving modes. The vehicle’s electric power consumption rate is 8.74 km/kWh. All cruising range and fuel efficiency figures here are based on the JC08 Japanese test cycle and verified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT).

With the goal of accelerating the wide use of electric vehicles, TMC’s development of the new Prius PHV focused on three areas: 1) high environmental performance, 2) product value and ease of use and 3) affordability. Prices (including consumption tax) start at ¥3,200,000 (US$41,000) for the entry-level S grade and run up to ¥4,200,000 (US$53,800) for the G grade with leather option.

To help provide more enjoyable and eco-conscious use of the Prius PHV, the vehicle comes standard with a new service called PHV Drive Support, which is centered on a function that connects the vehicle and owner via the Internet. Five types of services are packaged and provided free of charge to Prius PHV owners for three years. These include a service that enables remote checking through smartphones of remaining battery power and charging station locations, and allows free use of chargers (G-Station) installed at Toyota dealers and other locations.

Plug-in Hybrid System Specifications
Engine Type	2ZR-FXE
Displacement	1,797 cc
Maximum engine output	73 kW (98 hp)/ 5,200 rpm
Maximum engine torque	142 N-m (105 lb-ft)/ 4,000 rpm
Maximum motor output	60 kW (80 hp)
Maximum motor torque	207 N-m (153 lb-ft)
System maximum output	100 kW (134 hp)
Battery type / capacity	Lithium-ion, 4.4 kWh

The Prius PHV features the Toyota Hybrid System II (1.8-liter gasoline engine, electric motor and reduction gear) coupled with a high capacity, new 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. The vehicle is also equipped with a high-efficiency on-board charger capable of charging to full in approximately 90 minutes at AC 200 V (180 minutes at AC 100 V).

Improvements in system efficiency, a reduction in body weight, and the adoption of low rolling-resistance tires have resulted in an electric power consumption rate of 8.74 km/kWh. When fully charged, the Prius PHV’s EV range is 3 km longer (approximately 13% better) than the 23.4 km achieved by its forebear.

PHV fuel efficiency is 61.0 km/L, calculated from combined EV and HV driving modes, with only 38 g/km of CO₂ emissions. The HV mode fuel efficiency, after the battery has been depleted, still maintains an efficiency of 31.6 km/L (74.3 mpg US, 3.16 L/100km).

Toyota established environmental goals at the start of the development phase so that environmental impact could be reduced in a well-balanced way. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out to reduce the total amount of CO₂ emissions and other air pollutants, not just in the driving phase, but also throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicle from production to disposal (approximately 43% lower compared to gasoline-powered vehicles of the same class, approximately 9% lower compared to the base Prius). When using electricity generated from renewable energy such as solar or wind power, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced.

The EV mode can be maintained up to 100 km/h (62 mph). When battery power depletes beyond a certain level, the vehicle transitions to HV mode. Sound-absorbing and soundproofing materials for reducing road and engine noise have been optimally positioned, and measures have also been implemented to reduce wind noise, achieving superbly quiet operation.

In addition to the standard drive mode, the driver is able to select a number of other modes including Eco Drive Mode, Power Mode. This, in addition to the EV and HV modes, give the driver the freedom to choose the most appropriate driving style for any given situation.

To support enjoyable and eco-conscious use of the Prius PHV, the Prius PHV comes standard with PHV Drive Support, which packages the following five services and is provided free of charge to all Prius PHV owners for three years:

• Owner’s navigator: A service used through a smartphone, tablet PC or personal computer, to support learning of how to effectively use the vehicle.

• eConnect: Allows the user to check, with a smartphone, vehicle status (battery power and EV range) and locations of nearby charging stations via the Toyota Smart Center (TSC). This service also provides ESPO, an eco-drive support system that displays user fuel-efficiency records and comparisons to other Prius PHVs in Japan. Additionally, a maker-optional navigation system enables remote operation through smartphones of the vehicle’s air conditioner and charging system.

• Toyota Friend: A proprietary social networking service that provides charging and service reminders via “tweet”-like alerts. It also enables communication amongst Prius PHV users.

• Battery care and checking: Based on battery usage information sent to the Toyota Smart Center, dealers can provide Prius PHV users with advice on how to better use the vehicle’s battery.

• Charging service: Prius PHV users can use charging stations (G-Station) installed at Toyota dealers in Japan free of charge for an hour.

TMC is aware that managing household supply and demand of electricity will be important to help electric vehicles, including the Prius PHV, gain widespread use. To this end, TMC has been developing products for safe and efficient charging. Toyota Housing Corporation, a group company, will start sales of charging outlets, wall-mounted chargers and pole-type chargers for home use in January 2012. It will also launch the “H2V Manager” next January, a tool to support home-based charging that optimally controls the charging of vehicles based on the home’s electricity consumption.

Source: Green Car Congress

107-MPGe Prius Plug-in Hybrid to debut next month

As its launch date approaches, both verifiable and speculative reports are circulating about the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

Among them are that it is expected to return a standard-Prius-beating 107 MPGe, cut CO2 emissions from 89 g/km to 49 g/km, and will debut September 13 at the Frankfurt auto show.

In response to our inquiry, Toyota told us that the 2012 Prius plug-in will indeed be first presented at Frankfurt. The company is keeping a lid on other info, but we’ll tell you more of what the reports are saying just the same.

2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the EDTA conference in Washington in April.

First off, the outstanding fuel economy and emissions efficiency reports appear to be correct. They are based on the car’s reportedly having gone through a UK drive cycle. In it, the Prius plug-in achieved a 128-mpg rating, which is being equated to 107 MPGe for the U.S.

Toyota was quick to qualify this report however.

“That number is based on a virtual test cycle,” said Toyota’s Amy K. Taylor in an email, apparently not wanting to over promise and under deliver. “We expect the number to vary in real world driving conditions.”

Like the standard Prius, the plug-in will use a 1.8-liter, 134-horsepower engine and a 60-kilowatt electric motor, with the addition of on-board charger for the battery.

The distance it can travel at speeds up to 60 mph remains a mystery.

Another improvement over the standard Prius – as well as the 2010 demonstration version (in photos) – is the 2012 production plug-in car’s battery is believed to offer slightly higher output to enable around 15 miles of all-electric range. This is up a wee bit from an estimated 13 miles – and remember it could even be higher, and we probably won’t know for another month.

Rumor has it that the 2012 Prius Plug-in’s battery could be as large as 5.2 kWh.

Taylor said the 2010 demonstration version had a 3-kWh battery, and all-electric speed of 60 mph, but of the 2012 version, said only, “Product details have not been announced regarding the production vehicle.”

Since Taylor did not deny an improved battery, it remains possible a more powerful, maybe even more compact battery pack will come with the 2012 plug-in Prius.

Recharge time from 120-volt house current for its battery – that could be around one-fifth to one-third the size of the Chevrolet Volt’s battery – is for now still estimated at around 90 minutes.

One difference between Toyota’s thinking and General Motors’ approach to the Volt with its 16-kWh battery is that by giving the Prius plug-in a smaller, lighter, less expensive battery, it yields a lighter car with lower selling price.

Gas 2.0 and others report Toyota expects to sell 17,000 units for 2012, and estimated a U.S. price at around $26,000-$32,000 before incentives.

Here too, Toyota declined to verify the eager speculation abounding on the plug-in version of this most popular hybrid.

“We have not made any announcement regarding production plans,” Taylor said. “Pricing will be announced closer to on sale date.”

The Prius plug-in is due to go on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2012, Taylor said.

She could not confirm if or when the Prius plug-in would be made available in other parts of the world.

“I’m not aware of the launching timing for other markets or if it has been announced yet,” Taylor said.

Since its introduction, the standard Prius, now in a third-generation version, has grown steadily to a high degree of popularity among alternative technology vehicles.

Plugged in at the Renaissance Marriott across the street from the EDTA conference in Washington: a prime spot reserved for a prime customer.

The cars are imported from Japan where the U.S. is largely blocked from competing on an even footing due to tariffs and alleged trade inequity.

Further, when factoring all the economic advantages a plug-in Prius will provide, it may be worth considering the ships required to transport the Prius use an enormous amount of bunker fuel – as much as 120 gallons per mile.

One very rough estimate put the consumption of bunker fuel needed to import approximately 141,000 Prii last year at around 40,000 metric tons, which also equates to tremendous amounts of CO2.

To help curtail this pollution, waste and expense, Toyota is experimenting with a fuel-efficient diesel-hybrid-solar ship.

We have not been able to acquire data to do a full apples-to-apples comparison along these lines between the Prius and the U.S.-produced Volt, however, which also contains imported components, some being costly, bulky, and required to be shipped in too.

General Motors does have plans for next year to begin domestically producing the Volt’s for-now imported battery cells which Volt Line Director Tony Posawatz told us would also result in significant cost reduction.

Source: GM-Volt.com

Prius Plug-in deliveries set for March 2012; will have two trims, five colors

Toyota Prius Plug-in – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Prius Plug-in is coming in early 2012 and, thanks to AutoblogGreen tipster usbseawolf2000, we've got some exclusive details:

• Two trim levels
• Five exterior colors
• Additional accessories/options available
• Deliveries tentatively scheduled for March/April 2012

November, it seems, is the month when Toyota will start taking orders for the Prius Plug-in and, come January 2012, the pluggy Priuses will start rolling down the assembly line. Not convinced? Check out this Toyota start-up date sheet posted on Donlen.com and see for yourself. What's the Prius Plug-in's MSRP? How does a ballpark figure of below $30,000 sound?



Source: Autoblog Green

Toyota to make plug-in capability standard on Prius models debuting in 2014

The Nikkei reports that Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) plans to make plug-in capabilities standard for Prius hybrid models slated to debut in 2014.

Prius hybrid models debuting in 2014 will come with plug-in capabilities as a standard feature. Around 2015, Toyota aims to lift global hybrid sales to around 1 million units a year, bringing the total number traveling the world’s roadways to 5 million. Since some 70% are expected to be Prius models, the automaker hopes to use the plug-in versions to tap replacement demand.

The future plug-ins will feature high-performance lithium ion batteries. Current models can travel a maximum 38km [24 miles] per liter. The fourth-generation offerings will be able to cover more than 60km [37 miles], including electricity-only mileage.

To offset the cost of the battery packs and keep pricing in line with current models, TMC will further cut prices on the high-performance motors and other core components, the report said.

Source: Nikkei

Toyota Announces Priority Registration Web Site for All-New Prius Plug-In Hybrid

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced the introduction of a new Online Order System that will launch later this year for the all-new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the most advanced Prius yet.

The first phase of the Online Order System, called Priority Registration, will launch on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Customers who are interested in being one of the first to own a Prius Plug-in can log on to www.toyota.com/plugin and complete their registration on the site. Toyota's Priority Registration allows the customer first access to the Online Order System when it becomes available later in the year.

The new Online Order System will allow customers the convenience of configuring their own vehicle from any web browser, select their dealership of choice (within 15 launch states), and track their order through production, distribution and delivery.

"The Prius Plug-in Online Ordering system was inspired by the success and positive customer feedback we had to similar online ordering systems for the first two generations of Prius," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "We feel the Prius Plug-in target customer will expect a purchase experience that is as advanced and convenient as the product itself. The Online Ordering System is designed to meet those expectations."

The Prius Plug-in will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in 15 launch states in spring 2012, with a nationwide roll-out the following year. The 15 launch states include the following: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii*, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

*Prius Plug-in online ordering will not be available in Hawaii.

Should The Toyota Prius PHV Come With EV Button?

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid prototype, tested in November 2010

Enlarge Photo

For those who travel very short distances, the Toyota Prius Plug-In could almost be thought of as an electric car. With a battery pack that's about 5 kW-hr—many times that of the standard Prius—it can, within reason travel at highway speeds on electric power alone, or up to 14 miles or so as an EV.

Not quite, actually, but almost. First, you only have an EV as long as you're willing to watch the dash displays and not press on the accelerator too hard; and second, even if you're really careful about driving style, and even if you have the Plug-In switched to Eco Mode, the gasoline engine turns on for periods.

It is a little puzzling as to why even in EV Mode the gasoline engine needs to run periodically—sometimes for many minutes. Three of the four 'cold starts' we've done in the Prius Plug-In have prompted the gasoline engine to come on.

EV button would let you ration battery power

But for that first issue—the gasoline engine coming on when you need to press harder on the accelerator—the regular-production Prius Plug-In that will be available for purchase next year will get one useful feature our test car doesn't have: an EV Mode button that lets you lock out EV Mode and run as a normal Prius. That way, if you have a long mountain pass, or a higher-speed stretch on the Interstate, you won't quickly burn through the electric range, and could instead save it, for instance, for some lower-speed suburban driving.

All Cars Electric is fortunate to have, for a week, a Prius Plug-In to test, and we're starting to rack up some observations on what life with a plug-in hybrid would be like. Over the first nearly three days, we've done one partial charge and two full charges, and covered a total of just 38.4 miles.

As you might guess, most of that distance has been covered in the Plug-In's EV Mode, which engages automatically when you start the car and stays on until the larger battery pack is exhausted. From our two full charges, we've seen close to 12 miles from a charge, but we've yet to drive it only in very slow-speed city driving, where the EV Mode would likely shine.

The uncalled-for starts of the engine are still perplexing, and in a few cases if we knew they were coming, or going to be so long, we would have driven in a different manner. In our most recent cold start, the engine started for four minutes in all (and the first mile of driving at low speed). And moving along at about 55 mph with traffic, the gasoline engine came on for about 90 seconds, beginning just after cresting a gradual grade (with the battery only about half depleted).

98 mpg so far

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid prototype, tested in November 2010

Enlarge Photo

That said, we've gone 38.4 miles so far and averaged 97.8 miles per gallon (plus about 2.5 charges) with what we'd consider a normal Prius driving experience. That's extremely impressive.

With many more miles to cover over the next several days, we'll keep you posted, and we'll do our best to keep the Prius charged up.

Source: All Cars Electric

Toyota to bring Home EV chargers to market in 2012; expects to sell 50K PHEVs worldwide that year

The Toyota PHV

The Nikkei reports that Toyota Motor Corp. will start selling home battery chargers for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2012. Group firms Toyota Home and Toyota Industries Corp. will jointly develop the charger and will market it under the Toyota Home brand, through the sales channels of Toyota Home and its affiliate, Misawa Homes Co., according to the report.

The companies will produce two charger types, with one designed to extend from the exterior wall of a home and the other made for installation in a garage. The chargers will be compatible with non-Toyota cars, and will be priced between several tens of thousands of yen to 200,000 yen, including installation costs.

In 2012, Toyota expects to sell a total of 50,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles in Japan, the US and Europe, in addition to several thousand electric cars. It expects its sales of home battery chargers to reach 20,000 to 30,000 units during this period...The Japanese government wants 2 million regular EV battery chargers and 5,000 high-speed chargers to be installed across the nation by 2020.

Nikkei

Geneva Motor Show to be Host of Toyota's EV Prototype iQ

Toyota iQ EV

Toyota’s EV prototype—a Toyota iQ package equipped with an all-electric powertrain—will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Toyota uses its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as the platform on which to build its EV powertrain. Developed in parallel with the company’s full Hybrid (HV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) and Fuel Cell Hybrid (FCHV) vehicles, the EV represents Toyota’s long-term vision for short-range sustainable mobility.

The EV prototype offers a range of up to 105 km (65 miles) per charge on the Japanese C08 test cycle.

The new Toyota EV will undergo trials in Europe during 2011 and a fully engineered production vehicle will be launched in Europe in 2012, as part of a lease program. Toyota will showcase three World and one European premieres at the 2011 Geneva motor show: the Yaris HSD concept, Prius +, FT-86 II concept and EV Prototype.

Source: Green Car Congress

Zipcar Announces Program with Toyota to Launch Multi-City Introduction of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs)

Zipcar Prius Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle










New Program Designed to Further Test and Evaluate How PHVs and EVs Can Lead to Sustainable Networked Transportation Systems

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipcar, Inc., the world's leading car sharing service, today announced the introduction of eight Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs) into the Zipcar network, in an effort to further test and evaluate plug-in hybrid technology and gain increased intelligence on how electric vehicles (EVs) can fit into a large-scale car-sharing model. The Prius PHVs are now available to Zipcar members in Boston/Cambridge, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

The new vehicles are part of a pilot program with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. to demonstrate plug-in hybrid technology, evaluate the performance of the vehicles and help to educate and prepare the public for the electrification of the automobile. The Toyota Prius PHVs, which will become commercially available in 2012, are eight of approximately 160 being distributed by Toyota nationwide.

Zipcar currently offers three of the vehicles in Cambridge/Boston; one located at the Albany Street Garage on the campus of MIT, one at 33 Arch Street in downtown Boston and one at the Prudential Center. San Francisco members have access to three of the Prius PHV vehicles, which join a converted plug-in Prius already in the fleet. One of the vehicles is housed in front of City Hall, one is located in North Point/Fisherman's Wharf and the third is located in Union Square. Two vehicles are also available in Portland, one at the Portland State University Parking Garage and one at Shaver Green. The eight Prius PHVs will be available to Zipcar members in Boston/Cambridge, San Francisco and Portland for reservation throughout 2011.

"As the operator of the largest connected vehicle network in the world, Zipcar is committed to taking a thoughtful and deliberate approach to EVs. Given Toyota's long standing commitment to hybrid and plug-in vehicle technologies, they are an ideal partner for this project. We are dedicated to embracing cutting-edge vehicle technology in a strategic way, and in a way that meets the standards of large scale, multi-city, multi-country car sharing," said Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "Zipcar is an ideal test bed for early consumer acceptance of EVs. This project will allow companies to receive direct feedback from thousands of consumers in three cities and help evaluate how EVs fit into a large-scale car sharing model."

The Prius PHV is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can be charged from a standard 110-volt outlet. The vehicle, which takes up to three hours to charge, can travel on electric-only power at speeds of up to 62 mph for approximately 13 miles, after which it shifts to operate as a conventional Prius hybrid, averaging an estimated 50 miles per gallon. This makes the PHV model ideal for car sharing, as members are assured that the car can go the distance, no matter the charge when they pick it up. Because many trips taken by Zipcar members are fewer than 13 miles, many PHV trips will be emission-free. With the Prius PHV, Zipcar members can rely on the electric charge for shorter trips, but rest assured they have back-up for longer road trips or for use between charges.

"The PHV demonstration program is designed to gather real-world driving data and customer feedback on plug-in hybrid technology, and we're excited to be working with Zipcar to further test how this technology could have even greater environmental impact by fitting into the car sharing model," said Mary Nickerson, national manager, advanced technology vehicles, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "This program will help us to educate and inform the public on plug-in hybrid technology, evaluate the performance of the vehicle under different driving conditions and better understand the benefits to future customers."

Zipcar has been a pioneer in using advanced vehicle technologies, being the first car sharing company in the United States to introduce electric vehicles into its fleet with the launch of Toyota RAV4 EVs in Boston in 2002, and the first to offer hybrid vehicles with the launch of hybrid vehicles in Seattle in 2003. Zipcar currently offers converted plug-in hybrids in San Francisco and pure EV models in the London market. Today, Zipcar offers over 1,000 hybrid vehicles available internationally, representing 15-20% of the company's entire fleet.

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with more than 530,000 members and 8,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.

Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers that sold more than 1.77 million vehicles in 2009. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Toyota to make lithium batteries for hybrids: Nikkei

Toyota Prius Taking A Charge












Toyota Motor Corp is planning to mass-produce lithium ion batteries for its plug-in hybrid vehicles from this autumn as Panasonic Corp and Hitachi Ltd get set to churn out similar products of their own, the Nikkei business daily reported.

Toyota's first-ever production lines for lithium ion batteries at its plant in Aichi Prefecture and at a factory operated with Panasonic in Shizuoka Prefecture are slated to cost the carmaker 10 billion yen ($120 million), the business daily said.

These facilities will make batteries for about 100,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles a year, the Nikkei said. Toyota plans to release these vehicles in Japan, the United States and Europe at the start of 2012, the paper said.

Lithium ion batteries are seen as more suitable for eco-cars, but their cost has been an issue as it accounts for about half the cost of a typical electric car, the Nikkei said, adding that manufacturing them in-house will give Toyota more control over performance and costs.

Panasonic plans to begin mass production of lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles as early as April and intends to market them to automakers at home and abroad, in addition to supplying the batteries to U.S. partner Tesla Motors Inc, the paper said.

Hitachi, which already supplies batteries for General Motors Co hybrids, will begin mass production of high-performance lithium ion batteries for plug-in hybrids in 2013, the business daily said.

($1=83.31 Yen)

Source: Yahoo News

Toyota Offer Up Plug In Prius For Short Term Rental

Toyota Prius Charge Port

Toyota Motor Corporation has begun short-term rental of the Plug-in Prius (Prius PHV) from a Toyota rental and leasing company in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan.

Two vehicles will be available in the city of Goto. Rental fees will be:

• ¥8,400 (US$96) for up to six hours
• ¥9,450 (US$108) for up to 12 hours
• ¥11,550 (US$131) for up to 24 hours
• ¥9,450 (US$108) for each additional day

Do these prices seem exorbitant to you? A couple days of driving the plug in Prius variant for $239 bucks which may or may not be long enough to determine whether or not the car is for you.

The Prius PHV can be recharged from a household power supply, and offers electric range of 23.4 km (14.5 miles) on the JC08 cycle.