Comments on: Toyota tests plug-in hybrids in the U.K.

Toyota's announced that it's testing plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) in the U.K.

Add a Comment (Log in or register) (4 Comments)

by bigmc6000 September 11, 2008 8:34 AM PDT

Nope, nope, nope. Move away from this, this is old technology. The people don't want vehicles that burn less fuel on the way to work - they want vehicles that burn NO fuel on their way to work and those are coming out in about 2 years. Please, please, please Honda and Toyota, you two have been brilliant - please stop trying to fix the hybrid and go the route of the Chevy Volt. If you don't then 1) every one in the world will suffer and 2) your companies will suffer because GM is going with it and they are making it modular (i.e. they'll be able to drop the system into virtually any vehicle they want).

Like this Reply to this comment


by streamline35 September 11, 2008 6:40 PM PDT: While your idea sounds neat, and hell, maybe in 15 or 20 years, it certainly won't be happening anytime soon.

Also, let's wait until the toyota plugin and the volt come out before we compare. One thing I would bet though: the toyota plugin won't cost $40,000 (if it costed that much, it would be a lexus); Like this

by BenFlavoredCandy September 11, 2008 9:10 AM PDT

From what I've heard about Toyota's work on PHEVs, their system will be the same as the Chevy Volt's. That is to say, it will be an electric car until the charge runs out, then it becomes your standard hybrid. Unless they have had a major change in direction, which I doubt, this is most likely the system they are testing in the UK.

On another note, tests like this are easier overseas because PHEVs charge on 220V. While many people have 220V outlets in their homes, they are not universal, which causes some charging difficulties. Also, when looking at total emissions, PHEVs are worse than standard hybrids on the current US electric grid [before anyone yells at me, it completely depends on where you live, but I am talking averages].

Like this Reply to this comment


by streamline35 September 11, 2008 6:46 PM PDT: Not trying to be argumentative or anything, since I agree with almost everything you said here - but I think that PHEV are still cleaner here. As I understand it, running a car off of electricity generated by coal plants is still cleaner than running on off gasoline, only to the fact that coal plants are far more efficient than gas engines. Coal plants are roughly 80% > where as internal combustion engines are 25% < efficient. But electric cars powered by burned gasoline (in a plant) would still certainly be cleaner than electric cars powered by coal.

Anyway, other than that little note, good post!; Like this

(4 Comments)

Search Car Tech

About The Car Tech blog

CNET's Car Tech blog covers the latest developments in the automotive industry, with commentary on car stereos, hybrid and concept cars, GPS, and much more. The Car Tech blog offers the latest news and reviews from CNET's Car Tech reviews channel.