Here is an interesting report on a Prius with a 25 mile ZEV range. They don't mention the cost of such a vehicle but if it is not more than $35,000 I would buy one. It would probably qualify for the Federal Tax credit instead of the deduction.<br><br>Does anyone know if Toyota has any plans for such a vehicle?<br><br><a href=http://www.rdrop.com/ev/hybrid.pdf target=new>http://www.rdrop.com/ev/hybrid.pdf</a>

There are many ZEV Powertrains under intensive development now. Everything from pure electrics to hydrogen fuel cells. Obviously the holdups vary from the safe storage of, (and ability to refuel) zero emission fuels such as hydrogen (explosive). Also, the outrageous cost and limited range of huge cumbersome batteries. Toyota's immediate plans are to continuously improve all components of the existing hybrid system, to further reduce its dependency on the gas engine, among other things.<br> One day the THS might even be a profitable way to build a car for the masses.

Bill,<br><br>Great information on that website. I was really impressed, altho I hope it isn't just hype.<br><br>I would like to see the results with a US version Prius. My commute is in the 20-22 mile range one way. If I could do it in stealth mode, that would be super.<br><br>I only hope the Toyota engineers are aware of this and respond positively, especially since CARB is considering this very thing. It would probably clinch in a P-ZEV rebate.<br><br>Like you, I would buy one also (but unlike you, $35K is considerably more than I want to go).<br><br>Let's all keep "plugging" for Toyota to upgrade to P-ZEV.<br><br>Ken

Please note that the authors mostly work for a battery company. As has been noted in the discussion about California's ZEV mandate, there are three kinds of liars: liars, damn liars and battery developers. The vehicle described actually has almost no all electric range as defined by ARB. Although they installed much more battery, the motor does not have enough power to follow the driving schedule required to demonstrate electric range. Their claim is 25 miles equivalent electric range. What they actually mean is enough battery energy to go that far by calculation, not actual use.<br><br>I've pointed this out to the authors, but it was already in print and they are trying to sell batteries!<br><br>No plans today for such a vehicle.<br><br>Dave

There is no need for ZEV range to qualify as a PZEV. There is also no rebate. Toyota is well aware of the paper and the reality.<br><br>Dave

OK, I got the ZEV part (Zero Emissions Vehicle),<br>what's the P for?<br><br>Partial? Prius? Pregnant?<br><br>tony o.

Dave,<br><br>Thanks for setting the record straight. I suspected there might have been some hype in the report.<br><br>BTW, what do you think of the ANL Technology Snapshot on the Prius? That looks pretty reasonable to me.<br><br>Tony,<br><br>Your first guess was right on. The P is for partial.<br><br>Ken

In ARB-speak, PZEV is Partial (credit) ZEV. In their newest proposal they add AT PZEV, for Advance Technology Partial ZEV. If approved, this is the category Prius would qualify for after meeting all the requirements.

It looks pretty good to me. They are careful to note on road versus lab data and I thought they did a good job. ANL has had two Japan market vehicles since 1998 and they have a lot of experience and understanding of the technology. The snapshot was done for DOE with two 2001 vehicles. One from a staffer and one purchased by ANL. They plan further work with their new car, but I'm not sure when it might show up.<br><br>Dave