The Toyota Prius is, without a doubt, the current standard for the future of the automobile industry.
The following video is from one of my favorite TV shows "Top Gear". In the clip from this BBC show they demonstrate the disadvantages of the Toyota Prius . The video only takes 2min and 40sec, and in that time they completely debunk the Prius from its high throne. (the only disadvantage they fail to mention is one that claims that hybrids are too quiet!)
Say what you will, the Prius is the starting point. The important question is "where do we go from here?"
If the Prius is the starting point, then let's see what the future Prius will look like:
On January 2008 Toyota announced that the 2010 Prius will be a Plug-in Hybrid version of the current model (this makes a lot of sense!). Suddenly a year goes by and in January 2009 Toyota previews the 2010 Prius. SURPRISE! This Prius is NOT a plug-in hybrid, its a regular Prius with a bit more room and 4 more MPG of efficiency. Wait, there is more! On the same January 2010 Toyota announces the introduction of a plug-in vehicle by late 2009 (go figure!)
Well, it seems Toyota is unsure if it wants to let others take the lead. Let's see who will launch electric or hybrid cars on 2009 and 2010.
- Ford (clumsy and late as always) is announcing a new Fusion Hybrid. This vehicle will be less efficient than the Prius, but it will be roomier (it will do 3 more MPG than the Camry)
- Honda is going in the opposite direction. It will launch the Insight Hybrid. This vehicle will be LESS efficient than the Prius (7 MPG as compared to the 2010 Prius - 3 MPG compared to the current one), but it will cost about $4,000 LESS than the Prius too!
- Chevrolet's Volt is not expected until late 2010. Given Detroit's history on new design and reliability, and with a price tag of $40k I doubt it will create any wave in the market.
- BMW through its Mini brand will launch a fully electric car. This will happen in the upcoming months, but it will only entail 500 customers in California (at $800 lease price per month)
- Something similar is happening with Mercedes and it's Smart brand
- Nissan-Renault is entering the race with an entirely electric car by 2010
- There are rumors of a totally electric car from Ford (project M). This car will appear in the market in 2011
- There are many smaller competitors with cars already in the market or ready to launch: Tesla, Aptera, ZAP, ZENN, Th!nk, and Fisker
If we look further than 2010 we start seeing plans to introduce Hydrogen cars from Toyota and Honda.
At the end of the day, the consumer will have the last word. As explained by Andrew Revkin "consumers are the biggest threat to the rise of electric vehicles"
If you want to enjoy a bit more from "Top Gear" here is the link to the full review of the Prius. Otherwise, until next week: SHALOM!
