Groups like the Center for Security Policy, Set America Free, and the National Commission on Energy Policy have been claiming that plug-in hybrids that could get 250 mpg are close to reality. In fact, some people have them right now. But Toyota doesn’t think we will see them soon. Frank Gaffney of the Center for Security Policy and Set America Free was on the public radio program To The Point with Dave Hermance, the executive engineer for advanced technology for Toyota North America. Hermance says that plugin hybrids, because of the size of the batteries required, are “not today and maybe never economically viable.” He also said, “The vehicle in electricity mode is only capable of 35 miles an hour top speed. It has fairly glacial acceleration performance and cost 15 to 25 thousand dollars more money. That type of vehicle with those limitation and cost is not going to be well received by the buying public.” Maybe I’m Hermance didn’t understand the question, or I’m not reading him right. But it looks like plug-in hyrids are a long way off.
As an aside I think Frank Gaffney has gone way, way off the deep end. He said, “Somebody, Whether it is Honda, Toyota, or Detroit, somebody is going to figure out Americans would much prefer to get 500 miles a gallon at affordable price, and in a way that would be supportive of our national interest, then continue to drive around in cars with features that we are accustomed to.” Well no kidding. I’d like to own a big house, in Arlington, Virginia, close to the metro with an acre of land for an affordable price, but there are economic realities.
Below is the pertient part of the interview:
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