Clarification re: plug-in feature?

[Danny Hamilton]

Originally Posted by warrior

Will the plug-in be available for the 2008 Prius or will a trade in be required?

No reliable information about when or even if plug-in will be available. As such, there certainly isn't any reliable information as to Toyota providing a retro-fit option for any Prius built since 2004.

Of course if you really want a plug-in conversion, they are already available from a few companies. If you are looking for opinion, personally I'd say that it is highly unlikely that Toyota will provide a plug in conversion retro-fit option for any of the currently available models.

[IALTMANN]

Boy, been looking since 2005 for some of this information, and as I see this, in 2008 still confusion here, MY

[IALTMANN]

Well, let me try it again, still there is no information on this PLUG in feature...I have a 2005, and foresaw this "FUEL CRISIS". Everyone laughed when I got this car, they are not laughing now..

Now the PLUG IN.. Calcomp and a bunch of other enterpreneurs have been struggling with all this, with NO MAJOR SUPPORT from car makers, and that DOES include TOYOTA!! For the remote parkers (apts..) it is not to useful, one can assume a charger, and some form of extended battery or size or additional bank would be needed. An EV type system and perhaps a better low cruise speed for EV would be nice. All of this could be done as an OPTION, just like the other "fancy" stuff, but this would be USEFUL, and even save GAS !!! The cost now from 3rd party is prohibitive ( $8000-15000 ) with poor PAYBACK. For those of you who have the cars as status symbols, there are LOYAL Prius owners who have them for a more PRACTICAL reason. My 2005 has saved enough gas money to have paid for the added expenses already (if you compare it to a Toyota Corrolla), which is really all a Prius is. Do the math, as for this plug in conversion all I can say MY GOD, STILL JUST A DREAM HERE TOO!!!

[daveleeprius]

I just spoke with a salesman at my local Toyota dealership yesterday and he said the plug-in Prius won't come until 2012. The 2010 will not have the plug-in feature but will have a bigger engine, a new body, and a totally new hybrid synergy drive system. So the 2009 will be the last year of the second gen Prius.

[darelldd]

If only I had confidence in the knowledge of car salespeople.... the kind of folks who insist that my full-battery Rav4EV is, in fact, a hybrid.

Plug-in: No matter what vehicle has a plug, it means that plugging into the grid will off-set some or all of the gasoline usage. Some plug-in vehicles like my Rav4EV use NO gas. There is no gas tank. No engine. And some plug-in vehicles like the Chevy Volt will offer the full driving experience on (plugged-in) battery power for up to 40 miles, and then unlimited range after that on gasoline power. What Toyota will do with the Prius - and when they do it - is still up in the air. At least as far as the consumers are supposed to know! For many years ALL major car makers have claimed that plug-in vehicles do not make sense. By 2010, everybody has plans to significantly change the tune that they've been whistling. The game is changing.

[spwolf]

there is no way anyone at local deal will know much about models that are that far away... at least not specific details about those models.

[daveleeprius]

Originally Posted by spwolf

there is no way anyone at local deal will know much about models that are that far away... at least not specific details about those models.

Really? Do you have a more reliable source that contradicts the information in my post?

[dwreed3rd]

Originally Posted by daveleeprius

Really? Do you have a more reliable source that contradicts the information in my post?

It's all but impossible to prove a negitive. So let's try it this way. I believe the 2009 was supposed to be announced in April 2009. Here it is the end of August and still no official announcement. Rumors were it was supposed to be the GenIII, lithium batteries, plug-in and all. Now we know it won't be. At best it will be the 2008 with some engineering changes for some known problems, maybe some cosmetic changes, though I doubt it. 2010 due April 2009, that make a 6 month year for the 2009. Hummm! Think that was planned? 2010 rumored to be GENIII, with LiPo's and plug-in. Now GenIII yes, but maybe not LiPo's or plug-in. Point being, I don't know how a dealer or salesman can know; when the Toyota Corporation, itself, isn't even sure, due to manufacturing and developement problems. Just my opine! Facts stated may or may not be accurate, but then again, it's the whole point isn't it.

[neutronned]

You can reference my other recent posts, but my trusty Toyota salesperson (straight shooter, by the way) would only speculate on dates, but stated that the plug-in version would be available on the 2010 chassis (open for interpretation on whether he meant that model year or just the chassis and some future model year). When he took my $500 to get my name on the 2010 list, he wanted to know if I was interested in the standard hybrid or the plug-in version. He stated that battery developments would delay the plug-in version for quite a while.

So - additional speculation but he did confirm that there would be a plug-in version (he brought it up) but don't expect it real soon. Personally, if I can take delivery of my 2010 in the summer of 2009, I'll be happy.

[kabin]

CNBC reported this morning that Toyota announced the plug in hybrid is moved up to end of 2009. Not clear if its a Prius. Also, an all electric vehicle by early next decade (2010 or so).