By Drew Johnson
Thursday, Aug 9th, 2007 @ 9:37 am

Toyota has announced it will delay its launch of several high-mileage hybrids that utilize lithium-ion battery technology, by as many as two or three years, due to safety concerns. The new lithium-ion technology, which would allow hybrids to achieve 70 miles per gallon, was expected to debut in the next-generation 2008 Prius. But because of the risk of fire or even explosion, the same kind Sony experienced with their computer batteries, the Prius launch has been moved back to 2009 and will now bow with the conventional nickel-metal-hydride battery the Prius has used since its introduction in 1997. In addition to the Prius delay, Toyota announced it has postponed hybrid versions of the Tundra and Sequoia.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the first Toyota’s to hit U.S. shores with lithium-ion technology won’t be until 2011 when it arrives in a Prius-derived wagon. Toyota’s delay should provide an opportunity for other car companies, particularly General Motors, to make up some fuel economy ground. GM is set to launch their own lithium-ion battery hybrid, which uses a more chemically stable design, in late 2009 with the Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid. GM also has the the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, which uses the same battery technology, scheduled for a 2010 launch. These launches could prove to be key in changing GM’s reputation of having poor hybrid technology.

21 Comments
  

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.