Comments on: Verdict Is In: Toyota Deems Lithium-ion Too Pricey for Hybrids

By: Milestone: Toyota to Launch “Affordable” Plug-in Prius in 2011

Milestone: Toyota to Launch “Affordable” Plug-in Prius in 2011 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:42:22 +0000

[...] as low as $35,000 marks a milestone for lithium-ion battery technology. Earlier this year, Toyota commented that the benefits of lithium batteries — small fuel economy gains in hybrids over nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries due to [...]

By: Even With Soaring Oil Prices, Electric Vehicles Will Trickle In

Even With Soaring Oil Prices, Electric Vehicles Will Trickle In — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:15:42 +0000

[...] high price of lithium-ion batteries isn’t a shocker to the car markers. Last month Toyota said that after three years of testing, it’s decided lithium-ion technology still isn’t ready for [...]

By: hsr0601

hsr0601 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:44:46 +0000

It is firmly believed with the help of "instant remote recharge" , called "revalution" , by Indian EV maker Reva and a pioneer Agassi and so forth, the EV world has dawned a brand new morn for all around the world to live in peace and harmony.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:05 +0000

NiMH cells are "good enough" technology. Toyota built the EV95 Cell, which had 95 amp-hours of capacity at 12 volts. They built these in the late 90s, and many of them are still working today!

After Texaco (later Chevron) bought the NiMH patents, they sued Toyota for infringement. The lawsuit prevented them from making any cells larger than about 12 amp-hours, which probably led to the hybrid strategy Toyota employed with the Prius.

Large format cells don't come off patent protection until 2012 or so. Apparently, Toyota can get a PHEV to work with the smaller format cells.

By: Allannde

Allannde — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:19:11 +0000

Not only do I agree with the decision, I would prefer to see NiMH batteries on the PHEV. The additional cost of L-ion batteries will be multiplied by at least two and maybe three times by the need to replace them during the life of the car.

The tradeoff, of course, is weight. Hauling around heavier batteries on long trips is a negative so such a PHEV is not indicated for one who make a lot of long trips.

Toyota is in the business of second guessing the bulk of its potential customers.

It is a shame that they don't give the customer a choice. Some will choose one, and some the other.

By: Josie Garthwaite

Josie Garthwaite — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:34:29 +0000

Sounds like you guys think Toyota is making the right decision then.

By: Allannde

Allannde — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:16:36 +0000

Lithium ion also has a time clock which is running independent of use. The batteries become useless just sitting there. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, on the other hand, will sit and wait to be used. This is something to be considered by those who do not drive a lot.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:14:23 +0000

NiMH cells installed in RAV4 EVs are still running today, more than 10 years and 100,000+ miles after they were made.

Note also that for a vehicle of a given size, aerodynamics, and rolling friction, some extra weight isn't critical given an efficient regenerative braking system.

Lithiums are also unproven with a shelf life beyond 5 or so years.