Toyota is synonymous with hybrid technology and producing eco-friendly vehicles. But as technology becomes the forefront of future automotive development, Toyota appears to be hesitant to move past its hybrid reliance and towards all-electric cars.
While Toyota is seen as a green automaker in the eyes of countless consumers, particularly with the launch of its all-new 2010 Toyota Prius, the automaker is beginning to fall behind in the race to produce an electric car admits some Boston Toyota dealers. Electric car technology is becoming the focus of several automakers including Nissan, Mitsubishi, and even General Motors. But Toyota oddly doesn’t have their hat firmly in the ring, despite their obvious technology credentials.
Nissan appears to now be at the forefront of electric car technology. The automaker has just unveiled the new Nissan Leaf, which should be available to consumers by 2012. However, Toyota will be introducing a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle later this year, but sadly Toyota dealers Los Angeles say it isn’t an all-electric alternative to compete with the all-new Nissan Leaf. More importantly, the Toyota plug-in hybrid will only see very limited production.
In the future, consumers and experts alike believe that electric technology will only play a larger role in the automotive industry – yet Toyota remains skeptical. Toyota is known for approaching problems and challenges with pragmatism. EV technology is substantial challenge, and Toyota has indicated that battery life and reliability must far exceed current technology to be viable for mass sales which a Toyota dealer St Paul and others reasonably agree with.
While limitations of battery technology cannot be overcome overnight, Toyota may be taking a back seat to rivals should the automaker continue that pragmatic approach. That being said, a Car Dealership Santa Barbara believes Toyota is correct in citing the fact the electric cars don’t have the range that will make them ideal for all customers, particularly drivers that live in rural areas and require longer commutes.
Toyota has long held a reputation of reliability, before it fostered a reputation for eco-friendliness. Executives believe that this reputation could be tarnished if EV technology doesn’t perform to their standards says Seattle Used Cars. Although customers want fuel economy, they certainly won’t make the switch to an EV if has to remain in the shop.
Regardless of Toyota’s direction, EV technology for the masses appears to be coming to fruition. Hopefully, Toyota will be able to capitalize on this new technology, but the window of opportunity already appears to be closing.
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Toyota electric vehicles don’t appear to be coming soon, but look here for further news.