Maximum Bob: No plug-in hybrid race between GM, Toyota
The attention of the hybrid technology universe has been focused firmly on two vehicles: the Chevy Volt and the plug-in Prius. On the surface, these two vehicles are primed to be big-time competitors in the battle for mpg-conscious buyers. Not so, says the king of quote, Maximum Bob Lutz. According to Mr. Lutz, the two vehicles are very technologically different. Toyota also says that a plug-in Prius will be in production in 2009, a full year ahead of the Volt. Lutz hypothesizes that the Prius plug-ins will be available only to select fleets and not in large scale production, and the GM Vice Chairman says that the Volt will be available as part of a large test fleet in late 2009, as well.
We agree that the Volt and Prius are technologically different, but we're pretty sure the two vehicles will be competing for the same buyers. After all, Americans are calling for more fuel efficient vehicles and don't care if one's a plug-in parallel hybrid that runs on nickel-metal hydride batteries and the other is a series hybrid with lithium-ion batteries and a "range extender". They just care about whichever one can go further on a drop of fuel.
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Avinash machado 11:11AM (8/29/2008)
But it will also depend on prices. If the Plug-IN Prius is significantly cheaper than the Volt it might simply crush Volt sales.
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Gary 11:19AM (8/29/2008)
Or if the Prius has a pathetic all-electic range, it will get crushed by Volt sales.
ugg.tryptophan 11:49AM (8/29/2008)
+ the volt isn't repulsive
JM 3:17PM (8/29/2008)
Not to mention the Prius has an already established excellent long term reliability.
Why Not the OM617? 10:02PM (8/29/2008)
I wasn't aware the Prius is primarily Mexican.
3seriesisking 11:13AM (8/29/2008)
Hahaha.....You guys just keep getting better at choosing post graphics.
Good stuff.
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The Talking Hamburger 12:02PM (8/29/2008)
I concur, picture well played.
BLS 11:13AM (8/29/2008)
I will say it here first. If I buy a Volt or other Chevy with this powertrain; I will put a Calvin pissing on a Prius sticker in/on the back window.
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MoonRover 11:19AM (8/29/2008)
....and so will I.
alexer 11:42AM (8/29/2008)
+1
i guess this style of car looks a lot serious that current prius. i actually would like to buy one but it looks gay to me. it is not good looking at all, plus it is expensive as a luxury one (and is not, hate the interior)
homunculus 11:55AM (8/29/2008)
those calvin pissing stickers are incredibly trashy. they are right up there with truck nuts and tribal tattoos.
BLS 11:59AM (8/29/2008)
@homunculus: Really? And I suppose you think that smashing empty PBR cans on ones forehead in the infield at a NASCAR race isn't a real sport.
Ian B. 1:03PM (8/29/2008)
The white trashification of America...
tekdemon 4:09PM (8/29/2008)
Problem is you probably aren't going to buy it for $40K are you?
homunculus 11:19AM (8/29/2008)
i wonder why the volt hasn't caught any of the trite 'smug' flak.
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2004m3driver 11:35AM (8/29/2008)
Wouldn't it cause the owner to be extra smug since they are not only getting great MPG, but they just spent *30grand plus on one? That way they can show off their money their eco friendly side too.
Gary 11:22AM (8/29/2008)
I was thinking of buying a genuine Hybrid Synergy Drive logo from a Toyota dealership for use with the Calvin sticker.
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tanooki2003 11:24AM (8/29/2008)
Screw the both of them. If i wanted to go towards this direction I will just order an Aptera just to be different from everyone else and have something totally different over anything currently seen on the roads.
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mike 11:29AM (8/29/2008)
See i never get these things, how can the two even be compared? Assuming Volt will be build, Prius will have a decade on it. Volt so far is nothing but a pipe dream, all we have is the promises of an old senile man and my main man Rick Wagoner, he makes a million a year for every billion he loses in every quater.
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Shipey 11:39AM (8/29/2008)
So, Chevy (or anyone else) should never build a Prius competitor just because Toyota got out of the door first?
Good call.