Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Toyota
Toyota bringing EV concept to Detroit Auto Show
Toyota dropped the teaser of teasers this morning in the form of a logo and a two sentence press release announcing the debut of a "battery electric vehicle concept" that will bow at the Detroit Auto Show in less than three weeks. The EV will join the 2010 Toyota Prius on the show stand, but as you can see in the release, there's no word on what kind of batteries the concept will be using, what sheetmetal it will wear or what direction Toyota hopes to take with this new EV. Speculation begins below in the comments.PRESS RELEASE
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 22 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. will display a battery electric vehicle concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. This display marks the world debut of this concept vehicle.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
siDeS 2:34PM (12/22/2008)
Am I the only one thinking: "About damn time?!"
Either way, I'm just hoping that the competition doesn't catch up to the Volt as quickly as it seems they're doing. For all the time the Volt has spent in GM's pipeline...competitors are turning up rather quickly.
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jake 2:50PM (12/22/2008)
I'm not too worried, unless they had it planned for production the whole time, I don't think these any of these concept EVs will make it to production in significant numbers before the Volt (most likely will be lease or fleet testing first). Though of course if they do, that's better for us since there will be more choices.
Only one that seems fairly well positioned to beat the Volt to release is the Fisker Karma (but of course it's at a different price level). Goes to show how a smaller low volume maker can put out a car much quicker than a larger one if it succeeds. The Fisker drivetrain was pretty much inspired by the Volt's drivetrain IMO. It came out in concept form about a year after the Volt.
ello 3:38PM (12/22/2008)
@jake, by the time Volt will actually come out, competition will be on par with GM. GM would like for you to think that they are miles ahead of the competition when it comes to EVs but it's not the case. Actually Mitsubishi is already testing EVs with Japanese and California power companies: http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2008122249662&mime=ASC
I also know that Nissan isn't far behind either. I mean Volt will definitely bring something new to the table but it will definitely not be ahead of its competition. One thing I just don't get about GM and its marketing is announcing cars 2-3 year ahead of its actual production because 1) by the time the product actually arrives it looks outdated/people are tired of it and 2) competition isn't sleeping either.
Raffi 4:28PM (12/22/2008)
Isn't the Volt going to be something like $40000 minus government subsidies? I'm willing to bet the competition will build affordable vehicles instead.
Mobius_1 8:33PM (12/22/2008)
I'm thinking: it's kinda late, unless they have some real innovative ideas or at least are on par with the others. I'd liked to have seen them skip batteries and try something like hydrogen fuel cells.
Beat-it-nerd 2:36PM (12/22/2008)
...and the Volt said, "Ouch."
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jpm100 2:57PM (12/22/2008)
You need context.
Lutz: "2009 and only a Concept EV?"
Volt: "Ouch"
Derek Jones 2:41PM (12/22/2008)
Think-ing the iQ gets my Volt.
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Sea Urchin 2:43PM (12/22/2008)
EV and Prius? Cannibalism?
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Epyx 2:44PM (12/22/2008)
A production EV would be a great option for those that would be compatible with the limitations a full EV present. For those that are not compatible with the limitations the Volt is there to fill the void.
Lets not get too excited until we see the specs and the cost. If anyone can do it I am confident in Toyota's abilities.
I wonder though about batteries in the extreme cold. I could not even get my ipod to function today with subzero temps (killed the battery until I went inside). I can only imagine what would happen to a car after it sat in a parking lot all day while I am at work. Maybe it isnt an issue, just something I thought about this morning.
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Sea Urchin 3:08PM (12/22/2008)
See i think it is a silly concern.
If these batteries would not work in cold the company would face HUGE lawsuits.
I don't think any company in right mind will put a product that may stop working anywhere it gets really cold.
Epyx 3:10PM (12/22/2008)
I agree, maybe this is one of the reasons we do not have the ability to purchase pure EV cars? I know this is a legitimate concern that the home-brew EV makers have yet to tackle.
Epyx 3:12PM (12/22/2008)
How about that EV from Scandinavia, does it have any battery problems in cold weather?
Steve Neill 2:52PM (12/22/2008)
Why are all of our comments italic?
I wanna see the Production Supra thing. Whatever it was called. The LF-THS Or something.
BRING IT TO ME NOW.
lulz.
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Praeliber 3:00PM (12/22/2008)
There's about 200 vehicules on sale right now from different brand, so please stop talking like there's place only for one EV or PHEV (volt)...
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SubieShane 3:37PM (12/22/2008)
Toyota must thank Subaru for the battery technology. Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) has had this Lithium Ion technology for years. Check out the "Subaru R1". Unfortunately not available in North America! :(
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Conundrum 6:45PM (12/22/2008)
Any information yet on range per charge?
Range extender options?
Is this a full blown Volt competitor or a battery only car?
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