Topic: Preview: 2012 Toyota Prius C

[Autos_Editor]

Smaller than the Prius hatchback, Toyota's new 'urban-friendly' Prius c offers even better fuel economy.

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[JohnM]

The C looks very promising and I'll be test driving one come spring along with the hybrid IQ. 

The ideal for me would be one of the above with an electric assist system which would be available at all speeds.  This would allow the engine to be cut when descending a large hill or under light loads.  In effect, an electric assist hypermiling configuration.

This "C" package should be extremely attractive for people who do most of their driving in town.  More compact than the Prius with close to the same seating capacity and loading practicality and $7k (??) cheaper.

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.  And given its probably urban based applications a plug-in upgrade would be a natural here.

Toyota is really filling out its range of hybrids far better than any other manufacturer.  Honda is probably watching this but are they listening!

Cheers,
John M.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.

Cost.

This is a pretty appealing little package.

[Gwido]

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.

Cost.

What he said. By the way, it's not NiCad, it's NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride).

The C looks like a great city car. I wonder what its fuel consumption will be on the highway though. Hopefully as good as the regular Prius but it looks less aerodynamic. It's on my list of candidates for replacing my Echo.
With better fuel economy, more interior space and lower price than the current Honda Insight, it has better hope of success. I'm surprised they don't label it as a 2013 model...

[dirtyjeffer]

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.

Cost.

This is a pretty appealing little package.

agreed...when compared to my ET, if you don't need the extra space, for the extra $1000, you get better fuel economy (looks to use at least half the fuel, maybe even less), auto climate control and what appears to be a well equipped vehicle even in base trim...looks like a very good little package...Toyota seems to be doing very well with their hybrid offerings.

[safristi]

..available in MARCH!!???........I swear i saw a few on  dealership lots already........... .........damn those magic shitake mushrooms.......

[JohnM]

I just wonder when they will start building hybrids to allow for after sales upgrades.  Then it would be a matter of adding the battery capacity you need and could afford at a later date.

I'm sure it wouldn't take much in the way of software smarts or built-in hardware.  You would just need an empty port on the fender for the power socket and extra hold downs for the batteries.

No longer would we hear "ya, I chipped my Civic 1.8 and added a low resistance cat and glass pack.  Gives me a lot more on the top end."

Instead it would be "I popped in an extra 20kWhrs of Lithium Cobalts and upgraded the controller for higher current and maximum braking regeneration.  Gives me another 190km of range with a recharge time of 7 hours.  Awesome bottom end!"

Just give one goosebumps thinking about it, doesn't it!!

Cheers,
John M.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Instead it would be "I popped in an extra 20kWhrs of Lithium Cobalts and upgraded the controller for higher current and maximum braking regeneration.  Gives me another 190km of range with a recharge time of 7 hours.  Awesome bottom end!"

Just give one goosebumps thinking about it, doesn't it!!

Cheers,
John M.

Pffft! Everyone knows lithium-air batteries are where it's at! 

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/ibm-lithium-air-battery-project-looks-promising-35422.html

[PJ]

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.

Cost.

This is a pretty appealing little package.

Durability too.  Prius battery packs last the life the car for most people.  Lithium batteries are more hit and miss.

[1TSX]

I wonder why they went with NiCads as opposed to the lithium based batteries.

Cost.

This is a pretty appealing little package.

agreed...when compared to my ET, if you don't need the extra space, for the extra $1000, you get better fuel economy (looks to use at least half the fuel, maybe even less), auto climate control and what appears to be a well equipped vehicle even in base trim...looks like a very good little package...Toyota seems to be doing very well with their hybrid offerings.

Also agreed. Toyota will sell tons.

[Gwido]

I just wonder when they will start building hybrids to allow for after sales upgrades.  Then it would be a matter of adding the battery capacity you need and could afford at a later date.

People have been upgrading their Prius for years. Many companies are doing plug-in conversions which add batteries (usually Lithium-Ion), plug and integration with the existing hybrid system. Look here for a few examples: http://www.google.ca/search?q=prius+plug-in+conversion

[Cord]

Wilson is at it again:

Arriving in Canadian dealerships in March, Toyota’s first subcompact hybrid car, the Prius c (“c” stands for “city”) will offer the best fuel economy of any hybrid on the market, save for plug-in hybrids like Toyota’s upcoming Prius Plug-in Hybrid and extended range electric cars like the Chevrolet Volt.

I think Greg Wilson is the best writer on autos.ca save for some others.

[EV Dan]

 Re: batteries. IIRC there was a patent held by Shell or smth on Ni-Mh chemistry so everyone making them had to pay royalties until I think, 2012. Now with production capacity and low cost of components it's no wonder the C can be sold for under 19k US. And the more models Toyota applies Hybrid Synergy Drive to, the cheaper they can be sold. The same will eventually apply to plug-ins which at some point will replace regular hybrids, while Ext.Range Hybrids with 15-20 kWh battery will be priced yet higher. The cycle will repeat until  EVs will become cost competitive and as convenient in use.
 Like I'd said before I think with the Prius C Toyota has reclaimed the hybrid market niche and what's more admirable, it presented a viable alternative to purchasing an ICE sub-compact. If I were in the market for such vehicle, I'd buy it new and then put half a million kilometers on it, saving on maintenance (brake pads) and gas. In the end I'm sure I'd break more then even when compared to the real world running cost of a 15k subcompact.
 P.S. I love the exterior design, but that fugly steering wheel needs to go.