Here is a pointer to AutoExpress article from Dec. 9, 2006 ==> http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpr...yota_prius.html It states the competition from GM is putting pressure on Toyota, implying this is causing them to accelerate their plans.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eric Nothman @ Dec 12 2006, 07:53 PM) [snapback]361317[/snapback]</div> Thanks for the post - this is great news. I can't wait to see the new model.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Dec 13 2006, 12:50 AM) [snapback]361345[/snapback]</div> bummer i was hoping to see a pic!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eric Nothman @ Dec 12 2006, 10:53 PM) [snapback]361317[/snapback]</div> I'm getting in line now! :lol:
Will the 09 Prius have the EV button? Not much point in a PHEV if you can't force EV mode at low speeds.
If it doesn't have an EV button, then i can promise you that mine will within the first hour of purchase (heck, i might even show up with the parts and tools in hand and install it right in the show room before i drive off) :lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Derail @ Dec 14 2006, 07:58 AM) [snapback]362148[/snapback]</div> Why would it need an EV button? Isn't the main idea that it would be designed to go all electric, all the time at any reasonable amount of acceleration (until the batteries are depleted to a certain level - perhaps 20% which wouldn't happen until you went quite far - guessing 20, 30 miles?) I don't see why you would expect to need to force EV mode - especially at low speeds.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Dec 14 2006, 10:10 AM) [snapback]362251[/snapback]</div> Because sometimes you don't want EV and you need the engine to supplement power. I wouldn't like it if it always went in EV and 'drained' the battery before having the engine come on. I'd rather it operates exactly as it does right now and have an EV button for us to use.
this is great news and a range of 5 miles would be a dream come true....fantasies start at 20 miles, shangri la starts at 50 miles. but its still a start and makes a mod to increase the range that much easier and cheaper
The article does not mention distance. However, prior news indiciated capability of 9 miles of travel on Li-Ion battery.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Dec 14 2006, 10:10 AM) [snapback]362251[/snapback]</div> Whoops I got confused and thought we were talking about a hypothetical PHEV not the next gen prius.
