Power to the People (Toyota Press Release)

So I was intrigued to see a Prius commercial from a near-by Toyota dealership with a really good price, '$299 per month.' But I had not been paying attention and it was gone before I could read the details. I called the dealer and they are going to get back with me but that was not the reason for this post as I checked the Toyota News Releases and found:

Source: Power to the People | Corporate

Now some of us think 'it is about time!' The Japanese Estima, a hybrid minivan, has (or had) a house power, inverter option. The original Ford Escape hybrid also had a house power inverter option. Many of us have added our own 12V-to-120VAC inverters for emergency power and a few have tapped into the traction battery. How many pioneers does Toyota have to see before someone 'suggests' that it could be a popular option?

Sad to say, this press release does not herald Toyota actually 'getting a clue.' But perhaps instead of instantly recycling old traction batteries, there may be life for the usable modules later. It only takes 1 module to 'fail the pack', which then sacrifices the remaining 27-37 modules to the same recyclers. It makes a lot more sense to survey the remaining modules and reclaim and reuse those that can provide additional service. Don't waste a resource and that includes the traction battery modules.

Going back to my original motivation, 'a price too good to believe.' I'm looking forward to a Prius 'clearance sale' and was hoping Toyota would finally get serious about selling a Prius like any other car. I have friends who spend nearly a Prius car payment each month on gas and having a '$299/mo' option would be very attractive since nobody is getting a raise and gas prices are on the rise.

Bob Wilson

ps. Yes, I know that was a long walk for a short drink of water but didn't have time to write it shorter.