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NAGOYA -- Since its first-generation Prius debuted in December 1997 with the slogan: "just in time for the 21st century," Toyota Motor has been a pioneer in hybrid vehicles.

Back then, hybrid cars were seen as a marginal segment in the auto industry, yet they quickly caught on with consumers and other carmakers have followed Toyota's lead.



Company Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada was the man behind the development of the first-generation Prius. He recently spoke to The Nikkei about the various challenges encountered during development of the world's first mass market hybrid car.

After joining Toyota in 1969, Uchiyamada spent many years testing various methods of resolving car vibration and noise issues. His life took a dramatic turn...

So far about 10 states charge an EV annual fee for road usage. Only one state (Idaho) apparently hits hybrids/PHEV with fees. Sounds like Washington considering a new PHEV fee (PiP is free, looks like!). NH has a proposal for a road usage fee for all vehicles over 20 MPG, prorated Based on MPG (this is better than taxing hybrids per se). WI has been considering.

Green Car Congress: 11 states assessing fees on EV owners in lieu of traditional fuel taxes

I think we all knew that coal-fired electric plants reduce the climate benefits of electric cars. And we know how dependent China is on coal for electricity. However, I did not realize that the problem is big in the Netherlands and some other highly developed, climate-conscious countries as well.

Electric cars’ dirty secret: All the coal needed to run them