National Manager of Energy and Environmental Research for Toyota Motor North America Robert Wimmer claims these tax breaks would completely redefine plug-in hybrid vehicles and discourage, through cost, “blended” plug-ins for both manufacturers and consumers alike.
Toyota names no names, but there is only one coming car that falls under that bill: the Chevy Volt. The current Prius falls far short of the 6-kwh at a measly 1.3-kwh. Considering their moaning, it’s likely the 2010 plug-in Prius falls short of the 6-kwh specification as well.
Our take? The proposed piece of legislation seems pretty straight forward. Nothing about it appears to have any adverse effects on the hybrid climate. Toyota is just whining up a storm—unless, of course, that is why the Volt costs so freaking much.
If the Volt’s expected hefty price tag of a minimum of $35,000 is in large part due to the massive 16-kwh battery pack under its hood, then this could be a redefining feature of hybrid technology. Just how hard is it to design a lithium-ion car battery that hits the 6-kwh benchmark anyways? And how expensive would it be for consumers?
As only one car currently falls under this legislation, it is pretty clear who the intended protectee is. Just as clear, Toyota does not want to see a beaten foe rising up again. Considering the protectivist legislation the Prius received, Toyota is showing similarities to a viper.