Toyota promises huge effectiveness gains for next-gen hybrids

Toyota has responded bullishly to the growing cars and truck market pattern for plug-in hybrids, appealing there is much a lot more still to find for its own CVT moderate hybrid system deployed across the Toyota as well as Lexus ranges.
We spoke with Toyota’s product chief Karl Schlicht at the 2014 Paris motor show about the Japanese maker’s reluctance to invest in plug-in hybrid technology.
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“The advantage of selling seven million units indicates we understand what works,” the Canadian product manager argued. “The myth that our hybrid has peaked as well as that we have to step to lithium [batteries] or plug-in has been greatly exaggerated.
“We’re discovering that the present hybrid system has a great deal of legs left in it. It’s extremely reliable, costs are going down, as well as it’s undetectable for the client – they don’t even understand what type of batteries are in there. as well as it’s seamless – it works in the city. Yes, there are complaints from lovers that CVT is the huge problem in terms of fun-to-drive feeling, however we’re going to work on that. It doesn’t indicate we requirement to totally step to a plug-in set-up.”
Schlicht likewise noted Toyota’s efforts with the Prius Plug-In, which has been consistently outsold by the more affordable mild-hybrid variant.
Plus, Toyota isn’t resting on its laurels with alternate drivetrain systems. present on the show stand was the hydrogen FCV concept, which Toyota has verified will go into restricted production in 2015 – as well as that’s just the start.
Asked if Toyota plans to keep hydrogen fuel cells as a one-car plan, or broaden the technology, Schlicht replied: “I believe at first we want to make a statement with the special looks of the FCV. however we’ve already stated we believe in the future of hydrogen, as well as I believe you can believe us when you look at what we’ve already been with with hybrids. clearly we’re going to comply with a similar pattern to make sure not just one automobile is hydrogen fuel-cell-powered – however that is method down the road at the moment.”