Toyota's long term sucess with prius will be short lived.

[ksfrogman]

I'm new to the forums so excuse me if I am reiterating what may have already been discussed, but the upcoming Chevy Volt (and perhaps the next gen. Prius) feature plug in hybrid technology that will enable it to go about 40 miles without even using the gas engine. It takes about 4-7 hours to charge, depending on the plug in voltage (220V vs 110V). I had the opportunity to sit in a clay prototype of the Volt. What's interesting is that GM is counting on tomorrow's battery technology to make this car viable.

[patsparks]

I'd like to ask the OP a question.
Which new car is more a step toward all electric cars, a Prius or a Pontiac G8?

Prius isn't the destination and Toyota are aware of that, but unlike non hybrid diesel and petrol vehicles Toyota in developing the Prius did far more work toward a viable all electric car than GM did when developing the G8 or latest Suburban for that matter. They developed better control systems, batteries, motors, inverters, body shape and weight savings in a quest to get more miles from each gallon of petrol.

The next step is (as seen from this point in time) a plug in hybrid and beyond that an electric vehicle. Current technology doesn't allow an electric vehicle with acceptable range for most people, hence the need to move forward not in giant leaps but in steps allowing the benefits of each step to be accepted by the population prior to moving on. Ultimately personal transport will disappear and mass transit will improve to a level where it is perfectly acceptable to the masses.

Oh and while we are at it jeremy wayne wilson, I currently pay over $6.00US per gallon for petrol and I'm paying out about $100AU per month for fuel for my commute in my Prius. Can you please tell me where I can get finance at $100 per month repayment for a new car?

[fotomickey]

Prius is a mature product....and thats why I switch recently as well. I think Prius / Hybrid in gerneral will be the Norm of convention vehicles by 2010.

while EV, plug-ins and/or Hydrogen...is where Prius ideas is 10~13 years ago as emerging products.

As Hybrid owners we should feel fortunate ...making the leap on time to avoid hard-hitting by the rocket'd gas price....compare to many that didn't switch and stuck with gas-guzzling beast-vehicles....some ends up paddling
(for example seattle)

EVs.....Hydrogen & Plug-ins is still have their rough edges & limitations. Otherwise Toyota will have adopted these technology in production already. Toyota tend test-and-retest for years with 150% certain before launching their new products... which protects their reputation & customer safety.... I don't feel like to rush into emerging technologies....unless they proven working in the market place for few years.

As for Chevy-Volt....lets just hope they are not using Mxxxsoft Launch Strategy.... Sell 1st & Patch later.... we are talking about lives & company reputation on the line.

Speaking of EVs it will be awhile before long range battery system that can drive over few hundred miles without re-charging. While regular Hybrid can do so...besides gas station is very accessible. Hybrid should be around for next 10~15 years...and so is Prius brand.

PS: My next car (8~9 yrs from now)...quite possible a EV or plug-in Hybrid. EV long-range Battery-technology should be mature by then.

[jeremy wayne wilson]

Patspark

I would spend 250 a month on gas with a prius, you must not drive much using only 100 a month

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by jeremy wayne wilson

Patsparks (<my dad told me the last S was important)

I would spend 250 a month on gas with a prius, you must not drive much using only 100 a month

(Red text added to quote)
I was going on the old price but at current pricing it is about $120 to $140 per month. I drive more than the average Australian, I drive 22,000 to 25,000km per year while the average Australian drives under 20,000km per year.
I use 4.3 litres per 100km commuting and I was only counting commuting, I have covered 30,000km in my Prius this year but I did take a couple of holidays.

Could it be that you drive much more than the average motorist or you don't get as good mileage as I do?

Maybe you need to get a Prius and see how well you could do?

[richard schumacher]

Originally Posted by jeremy wayne wilson

I have already spent 2.5k to recharge my future BEV off solar.

"Future BEV". Do you have one yet? If not, how are you getting around now?

[jeremy wayne wilson]

I am driving a 06 Scion XB that is paid for that I will trade in on a BEV in 09/10

[Froley1]

I am using 24 gallons of fuel a month, a co-rider to work brings my cost to $12.50 aweek right now, with the segway making up the around town stuff. Mileage is consistently 50 to 54.5 on a 76 mile, per day round trip commute...there is nothing transportation wise right now or in the immediate future more viable for me than these systems...at this point i would be hesitant to consider trading for any other platform. I do 12 to 15,000 miles per year and believe i have 8-9 years of vehicle life left dependent on dealer parts support. Hard to believe any of these press releases on new vehicles...those of us born in the 50's were told we'd be flying to work using our personal jet packs by 2008....
Froley

[patsparks]

When the BEVs are hitting their stride how much will your Scion really be worth? I mean if a Prius will be worthless how will a full gas car compare?

Personally I hope Prius is superseded by much greener technology which is affordable and sustainable. Nothing would make me happier.

[Tideland Prius]

Which BEV are you planning to get? A ditto patsparks' reply. If you think the Prius' value is gonna take, what about your full gas car?