Plug-in Hybrids May Not Go Mainstream, Toyota Says

mattnyc99 writes "Honda's challenger to the Prius — the Insight hybrid that we discussed so lividly a month ago — got its official unveiling today at the Paris auto show, with insiders confirming it would be cheaper than the world's most popular 'green' car while still hitting the same fuel-efficiency range. But the hybrid-electric showdown comes in the midst of a sudden rethink by Toyota about plug-in hybrids. Apparently all the recent hype — over the production version of the Chevy Volt, plus Chrysler's new electric trio and even the cool new Pininfarina EV also unveiled today — has execs from the world's number one automaker, and alt-fuel experts, questioning how many people will really buy electric cars, whether people will really charge them at night to keep the grid clear, whether batteries will make them too expensive and more. "

Comments

Re:I work in the power industry

[No2Gates]

There is no way the grid can handle so many cars being plugged in to recharge at night. You may feel nice and fuzzy warm about getting an electric vehicle, but then, you get a whoop-ass dose of reality when you find out, low and behold, your electric provider uses COAL FIRED plants to create this invisible power. What is the dirtiest method of power?????
But you tree huggers just go bury your head in the sand and don't think about the logistics.

Lividly?

[SlashDotDotDot]

the Insight hybrid that we discussed so lividly a month ago

Perhaps I'm missing it. Was there something livid about their discussion?

Maybe the discussion was lively? Maybe they discussed it longingly? Did they describe it vividly?

Re:Do you have a garage?

[Datamonstar]

That's okay, silly. People who live in apartments can't afford housing or new cars, either! We'll have to stay with our old clunker gas guzzlers until the greedH^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^prices comes down on them. Or rather, until the market proves itself with fancier models that are less affordable and then starts to produce more affordable models. Because this really isn't about saving the environment, but rather sustaining a highly profitable industry that is very dependent on shutting out any competition. There ain't very much to cars, and anyone with enough money can make a good one, so they have to rely on bully tactics and "government standards" in order to stay in business. That didn't stop the foreign market, though.