Obviously written by a non-owner who doesn't quite understand how the car works:

Complete with disinformation from a "Toyota spokesperson":

But otherwise a positive and entertaining article.

I think a more accurate statement would be "... they want them faster than the market will dish them out" If I can do it, you're telling me the millions in R&D at Toyota is unable to make available? Pfffbt.

Yet which package is it that while yes does give hands free really streamlines the act of talking on the phone?

And there's a LAW requiring an 8 year warranty on the batteries?

The article mentions MAKE magazine, a really good rag for do-it-yourselfers. There have been some prius hack challenges on their blog recently. (www.makezine.com)

Also noticed Coastal Dave is featured in big bold red letters.

I want to say it's tied to the CARB states (CA, NY, et al). Emissions equipment must last a certain amount of time. The Prius battery is part of the emissions systems.

Cheers,

Curt.