Prius Minivan Coming in 2011 with Lithium-ion batteries?

Agreed. (As a former minivan driver myself, long ago) If I had >=2 kids, I too would want a hybrid minivan w/decent mileage.

LOL!

Boo about how the speedo and instruments were moved to the center. That type of design does NOT do well nor review well in the US. There are so many past examples of this (many Toyotas, at least one GM and at least one Nissan). Nissan was forced to redesign the dash of their Quest early (before end of cycle) and move the IP to the front of the driver.

Maybe it's more accepted in Japan as I noticed a # of JDM cars w/speedo in the center, but it's just a no go here.

 

Thanks for that info. Why are they testing in US then? I don't know if it is the usual practice.

Li-ion battery between front seats is interesting. This would free up the rear for even more space, hopefully minivan type seats.

 

I'm not sure what's happening there, but...
Did anyone confirmed the US testing one was 7 seater and the battery was located between the front seats?

The JP Estima Hybrid minivan is the first one which NiMH battery is located between front seats.
Following pics are Estima Hybrid and gasoline Estima interior.

Ken@Japan

 

Those spy shot report said it is a 7 seater with 3rd row seating. The interior shot in post #56 does not show the area between the front seats. There seems to be an arm rest and radio antenna sticking out from a cup holder.

I didn't know the current Estima HSD already has the battery between the front seats.