Hybrid Taxi

If Chrysler was smart They would have a hybrid PT Cruiser allready! I think it the only car that's out there now that would give the Prius so serious sales competition. Mostly because it's also a hatchback and the either love it or hate it styling. Too bad Chrysler is asleep at the switch.

 

I'm sure computer-familiar forum members will remember the term "VAPORWARE". [The title given future computer software some of which NEVER happened after having been announced.]

Why do I get the feeling that vaporware might be an appropriate description of these announcements? I'll believe it when I see it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ May 19 2006, 09:59 AM) [snapback]258114[/snapback]</div>

I'm pretty sure that hybridtechnologies is manufacturing these retrofits. They've reported picking up some nice contracts in the past 5 months. They do at times seem more technology demos, but it does seem like a shipping product. I sent an email in to them to check it out.

http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/products.php

 

If you check the specs of the PT Cruiser hybrid described here, I don't see it as a viable taxi. It only has a 100 Mi range and requires 8 hours to recharge. Taxi drivers can't survive on only 100 miles a day. The battery complement weights 660 lbs. I don't think the Prius is in any danger. When Toyouta comes out with the next version of the Prius, which is supposed to be with Lithium Ion batteries, I think that will put them 10 years ahead again. (note, the battery pack here is rated at 1500+ recharges. That equates to about 4 1/2 years of daily recharges between battery replacement. An expensive proposition I'm sure.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hwalker911 @ May 19 2006, 05:58 AM) [snapback]257979[/snapback]</div>

I work in Burbank CA, and City Cab has switched much of their fleet in this area to the Prius. The yellow & black Prii have been spotted in Studio City as well.

 

:usa2: