Just how are they using the word aspirated here? Evan, doesn't aspirate mean 'to breathe'? Are they saying that the Prius is airy or breathy? There are many concerns with Lithium Ion batteries that could hinder their use in automobiles. I hope they overcome them though. I think it would be great if they develop new battery technology and all we have to do is replace the default one.
Generally, normally or "naturally aspirated" is a term for engines that don't have any forced air intake system, ie. turbo charger/super charger. So it has nothing to do with the Prius.
First: <drool> I...Must...Own...It...</drool> Second: LiIon batteries have a serious flaw... They are eplosive if the two halves of each cell meet in a violent fashion. However, Hitachi has developed an additive for LiIon batteries that prevents this, making it possible to use them in a car. Oh, man, I MUST have one of these. Nate
Sweeet. Maybe that'll shut up some naysayers on the Prius No, we can't fall into the Accord Hybrid trick of more power is better. But then, we have to credit Toyota for adding some spice into the Prius lineup
Well now, Tideland, let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Prius would still have CVT and shut down the ICE for efficiency as well as all the other things that make the Prius the Uber-Hybrid that it is. I don't see a better battery as devolving to a less-efficient state. Rather, I think it's a step of evolution that will, as you said, "shut up the naysayers." Just another example of Toyota taking something really darned good and asking the question, "what would make this better?" Though I do like the thought "now I can kick your nice person off the line and still average 50MPG."
Hi all, Following is my comments at the priusonline site... --- start here --- I do not believe it is Toyota's job. Regarding to "Japanese-market Yaris Turbo", the Japanese version Yaris is called Vitz and there is no such Turbo model from Toyota. Maybe, the article one is a Modellista version Turbo for after-market. I also doubt to use the Li-Ion battery. The charging/dis-charging profile is completely different from the NiMH battery. We have to replace/reprogram the Battery and Hybrid ECU's. It is not practical jobs. Regards, Ken@Japan
would be nice if it works but Li-Ions are dangerous when discharging that much current. they get much hotter than NiMH do. (NiMH get so hot you can barely touch them) so cooling has to be a major issue here.
