Prius Minivan Coming in 2011 with Lithium-ion batteries?

I drove next to a Toyota Sienna today, probably imported from the States because they don't sell it here in het Netherlands.
I thought it was húge.

 

Voltage increases from 201.6 to 345.6 for the battery-pack. We know that already from the plug-in model of Prius.

What hasn't been revealed yet is the voltage the system itself operates at. 650 volts was the maximum, due to patent/lawsuit restrictions for NiMH. Switching to Li-Ion elimates that artifical limitimation.

Higher voltage can equate to improved power or efficiency.
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I thought NiMH patent was limited for the capacity. Anything more than 8 AH was considered large format. I did not know about the voltage limit as well.

 

motortrend reported that the Li battery would weigh 1/3 what the Nimh battery in the prius.This would also shrink the volume the battery takes up. Its likely from that figure that capacity is lower, but usable capacity would be similar and maximum power higher. So lighter with greater maximum regen braking.

I'm sure toyota has worked with the charging and battery chemistry to keep the batteries away from the run away conditions in the sony batteries in dell and other laptops.

 

Could have been. Somehow voltage limitation played into the equation though. History that I have forgotten apparently. Hopefully there's that bit of detail noted somewhere.

Whatever the case, I do like the modular design of the plug-in model. It contributes nicely with new non-plug hybrids like this.
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WOW, I could go for a hybrid version of this minivan, provided it gets similar (or better) gas mileage to Navigare's diesel Verso (by my calculation, 39.37 mpg). I'd jump on that deal in a minute. One Prius and one hybrid Verso would be a perfect combination for our needs.

 

Don't you mean to narrow for American butts?

 

Of course its the cars that are too narrow, as there is certainly no issue with North American butts.

You simply need a corresponding obese car, like a cross-over / SUV (am I the only one thinking the Venza is a an obese hatchback Camry?).

 

Live pictures of the Prius minivan?

2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid Minivan Scooped? - Carscoop

 

Yeah I just saw theses pics over at GMI. Hellooo..

This is a lot sharper than the initial pics shown above. It also seems to be on the roads hereabouts by the architecture and other vehicles [duh..read the article]. Does that mean a Spring launch to be announced at NAIAS? That'd be nice.

Mini-minivan / RAV / CR-V sized MPV with a hybrid powertrain it appears to be.

 

any offical size of this van

 

40 MPG 7 seater Prius would be a winner.

 

I could use a little more room

 

And more news:

Spy Photos: 2012 Toyota Prius MPV

And a picture of the dash:



And an artist impression:

http://www.japanonline.jp/toyota-prius-alpha-2011/

 

Booo..

Just 2 years into a 5 year note on our Nissan Quest.. we love it...


Now about my PHV Prius....

 

Ok, that sticker on the dash confirms it'll run on regular gas.

The bridge dash is gone too. It is more like Gen2 Prius with shifter near the steering wheel. The speedometer display is closer to the dash and it looks like it can close too.

 

Looks more like a 5+2 seating, the third row is good for two small children.

 

Following is not official, but,,,

4590mm(L)×1770mm(W)×1585mm(H)
source

Unfortunately, JP rumor said as follows;

Prius Alpha: 7 seater with Li-ion battery located between front seats for JP market only
Prius V: 5 seater with NiMH battery located at rear luggage space for global market

Ken@Japan