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Although Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) was first out of the gate with a gas/electric hybrid vehicle back in 1997 with the Prius, the holy grail for much of the consumer automotive industry has been a 100% electric vehicle that lasts a while on a charge, is big and roomy, and has a long range.
Oh, and it must remain comparable (read: affordable) in price to its fossil fuel cousins. The former GM's Chevy Volt project was a very good stab at this (who knows where that project is heading, though), but what about world automotive leader Toyota?
The Japanese automaker wants to have mass production on an all-electric vehicle in 2012, with a goal of about 20,000 to 30,000 units annual output at the start. This would be the first commercial launch of an all-electric personal transportation vehicle, unless the Volt really does get to market, or another manufacturer somehow is able to release an electric vehicle into mass production sooner.
Note to Toyota -- with mass production comes mass expectations. If an electric vehicle is delivered that is more than 20% in retail price more than a comparable hybrid or gas-powered vehicle, this won't work. Government subsidies and tax breaks aside, the majority of retail customers won't pony up a slew of money up front to drive a limited electric vehicle. Some will -- but output quantity better match the number of customers with a willingness to be a first adopter at a higher cost. Got it?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-08-2009 @ 12:00PM
ShaunneyCakes said...
Ummm... actually yes, there are a couple of companies planning to massproduce a highway speed electric car BEFORE 2012...
-Ford (Focus EV and Transit Connect EV)
-Nissan
-Mitsubishi (iMiev)
-Tesla Model S
-Miles EV
-Chevy Volt (Still on target according to GM)
-BYD
-SmartEV
Like, but not certain
- Dodge Circuit is supposed to be to production before then
All of these companies will beat Toyota to market. I am shocked how Toyota has dragged their feet on this matter.
If they are not careful, this car will do to their company what the PS3 did to sony... turn them into an industry joke in that model.
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7-15-2009 @ 3:46AM
edesvignes said...
What about Renault with its Be Bop and the Megane-like EV?
PSA Peuget Citroen with its C1 Evi'e?
Bollore / Pinifarina with the BlueCar?
Opel Ampera?
The Norwegian Think?
All these manufacturers announced productions by 2012;
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