Toyota VP makes bet.

ruaqt · 08-14-2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

``Advances in technology take a consistent, long-term focus. That's what we've done,'' Don Esmond, senior vice president of Toyota's U.S. automotive operations, said in an interview today. ``I've got $100 in my pocket that says we'll be the first automaker to put a lithium-ion vehicle out there.'' [/b]

I really don't see how Toyota can beat Tesla to Li-Ion powered car. Looks like this guy lost $100.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...amp;refer=japan

RonH · 08-14-2007, 01:25 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ruaqt @ Aug 13 2007, 11:42 PM) [snapback]495220[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I really don't see how Toyota can beat Tesla to Li-Ion powered car. Looks like this guy lost $100.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...amp;refer=japan
[/b]

Yet, Tesla just fired (promoted) their CEO. They may put a few models in the hands of some celebrities and give them flame retardant suits, but does that count?

**Tideland Prius** · 08-14-2007, 01:32 AM

Shows you how much confidence he has in GM's words about Li-Ion batteries.

I mean.. GM said that battery technology isn't there right?

Tesla... they're still testing. The first ones won't reach customers til next year right?

Godiva · 08-14-2007, 01:33 AM

A123 is already putting their Hymotion LiIon batteries in Prii to make them plug in.

clett · 08-14-2007, 06:36 AM

Nissan had the Lithium-ion Altra EV on the roads years ago.

Come to think of it, the Japan-market Toyota Vitz stop-start micro-hybrid already uses LiIon and is on the roads today. Perhaps that's how he sees his money as being safe?

finman · 08-14-2007, 08:52 AM

Not alot has been said about the Altra...any history Clett? And nothing in the Who Killed the Electric Car movie. Were they crushed too? Are there still some running? Any other info on this electric wagon? Seems to me a great concept, but, again, ahead of it's time.

I know it's not a money maker and that's why it is not well known, but, gees, companies come up with great ideas/products all the time and want to promote them right...right?? I wonder sometimes whether the human species deserves to continue it's existence when so many stupid things are credited to us...

dipper · 08-14-2007, 01:40 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Aug 13 2007, 10:33 PM) [snapback]495245[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

A123 is already putting their Hymotion LiIon batteries in Prii to make them plug in.
[/b]

But not in the hands of consumers. So how can they be first when they have not sold to any end users?

Godiva · 08-14-2007, 02:54 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Aug 14 2007, 12:40 PM) [snapback]495439[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

But not in the hands of consumers. So how can they be first when they have not sold to any end users?

[/b]

True, they are only being installed in company fleet vehicles at present. I saw an install for a SDG&E Prius a few weeks ago.

A123 systems stated at that time that they would be offering the plug in starting the first fiscal quarter of 2008 if all went well. If Toyota were smart, they'd be teaming with A123. They could still work on developing their own whatever.

08-14-2007, 08:52 AM	#6
finman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 932 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Not alot has been said about the Altra...any history Clett? And nothing in the Who Killed the Electric Car movie. Were they crushed too? Are there still some running? Any other info on this electric wagon? Seems to me a great concept, but, again, ahead of it's time. I know it's not a money maker and that's why it is not well known, but, gees, companies come up with great ideas/products all the time and want to promote them right...right?? I wonder sometimes whether the human species deserves to continue it's existence when so many stupid things are credited to us... __________________ 04' Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, add-on mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear sensor warn, compass mirror, EV mode, synthetic oil, 8" custom sub in right rear cubby, 6" subs under front seats, power lumbar in front seats, Coastaletech hitch with Aspen bike/snowboard rack, iPod2car, DVD video, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, solid 47 MPG @70000 miles, best tank 56 MPG.

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08-14-2007, 01:32 AM	#3
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,932 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	Shows you how much confidence he has in GM's words about Li-Ion batteries. I mean.. GM said that battery technology isn't there right? Tesla... they're still testing. The first ones won't reach customers til next year right?

08-14-2007, 01:33 AM	#4
Godiva AmeriKan Citizen Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 10,027 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #1 Nominated 3 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 6	A123 is already putting their Hymotion LiIon batteries in Prii to make them plug in.

08-14-2007, 06:36 AM	#5
clett Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 464 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Nissan had the Lithium-ion Altra EV on the roads years ago. Come to think of it, the Japan-market Toyota Vitz stop-start micro-hybrid already uses LiIon and is on the roads today. Perhaps that's how he sees his money as being safe?