For the base model, I think it's a bit high, even w/the $2500 tax credit. As I stated in another post, I wish they gave the option of a more stripped down model (no nav and no heated seats) that hopefully would be significantly cheaper. But... those in CA or other states that can get HOV stickers for the PHV might snap them up anyway. Some would be very willing to pay the price w/o going to a CNG vehicle, pure EV or paying a premium for '12 Volt (assuming GM got the emissions down enough to qualify, don't know the definitive status of that).
Initial demand will do stripping, of supply. Later on when availability no longer requires waiting on a list and sales are steady, it's easy to envision a base model not so well loaded. I'm happy to see the multi-front approach. 2 very different packages for the plug-in along with the cordless packages is a heck of a lot more choice than is offered for Volt. And the fact that the US, Japan, and Europe all get rollout at the same time will help progress acceptance faster. It all contributes to increased production sooner. Remember that the cordless sales will still be the biggest aspect of mainstream penetration for quite some time. The plug-in model will be paving the way for greater opportunity later. .
Yeah, I guess it was to save money. I can't think of any other reason. But using a public charger is going to be a nuisance. And being that my Level-2 charger for my Leaf is placed right in the center-front of the garage to allow the possibility to connect to an EV or PHEV in either side of the garage, this arrangement on the Prius PHV means most likely the car would have to be backed in, or possibly might be able to reach if the car were parked on the left side. Granted, I realize the car will come with its own 110V charger that will be able to charge it decently fast, but my L2 charger would be able to charge it very quickly if the need were to arise.
In the end it was moved to save weight by removing extra length of wiring. It also consolidated all the related equipment into the rear of the car where they now had room since the production battery is SO much smaller than the demo units battery. It also now avoids all that heat buildup which used to occur on the demo car when the onboard charger was under the passenger seat.
I really miss the gatherings from long ago... ...and hope the plug will provide an excuse to start them up again. Another Minnesota owner would really add to the experience. .
Hey, for my situation, moving the plug from the front left to the rear right was PERRRRFECT.... Car parked on right side of garage... Outlet is 2 feet away from car...
I was hoping atleast now you would stop with your cordless misnomer - now that Toyota has given an official name
I'd be interested in weekend breakfast/lunch/dinner meets, Friday &/or Saturday night gatherings, road trips, maybe even autocrossing What do you think our chances of finding a Green or White PHV in May or June next year? That is when we can buy one. My wife is sold on the high mpg numbers even if the car costs near $40k Mike
Cordless is not tied to a specific model. Any car that doesn't plug (lack of on-board cord) into the grid is cordless. Cordless includes non-hybrids.
It seems from the media event the other day that they (Toyota) rather call the non plug in Prius simply the Prius liftback. I like that or regular Prius far better than calling it a cordless Prius. Just my weigh in on the issue.