Stories with Tag Toyota

• Toyota reduces price of new hydrogen car with $15,000 of free fuel

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  Posted: 2025-01-26 12:55:14

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  Toyota has slashed the effective price of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in California. By combining a $5,050 price reduction with an additional $15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel, the car's cost to consumers could be as low as just over $15,000, depending on the lease deal. This aggressive pricing strategy aims to increase adoption of hydrogen vehicles and address the limited refueling infrastructure currently available.

  In a strategic move to stimulate the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, Toyota Motor North America has announced a substantial price reduction for its second-generation Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) specifically within the Californian market. This price adjustment, coupled with a generous incentive program offering the equivalent of $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen fuel, effectively lowers the barrier to entry for prospective buyers. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the XLE trim has been decreased by $9,050, bringing the cost down to $49,500 before factoring in any applicable federal or state incentives for clean vehicles. Furthermore, the Limited trim has seen a reduction of $8,050, positioning its MSRP at $66,000, again before incentives are applied.

  The inclusion of the complimentary fuel incentive, which provides approximately six years' worth of hydrogen based on average driving patterns, further sweetens the deal. This allowance significantly diminishes the operational expenses associated with hydrogen refueling, a factor often cited as a deterrent to widespread FCEV adoption. With the application of the full $15,000 fuel incentive, the effective cost of the Mirai XLE can be as low as approximately $34,500, representing a considerable saving and placing it within a more competitive price range compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and even some battery electric vehicles. This targeted approach within California leverages the state’s burgeoning hydrogen refueling infrastructure and its commitment to promoting zero-emission transportation solutions. Toyota's decision underscores a renewed emphasis on hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable pathway towards a decarbonized transportation future and highlights the importance of strategic incentives in facilitating consumer adoption of this nascent technology. The move is clearly aimed at bolstering sales figures for the Mirai and demonstrating the practical feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles for everyday use.

  • Toyota
  • hydrogen car
  • fuel cell vehicle
  • price reduction
  • California
  • Mirai
  • alternative fuel
  • hydrogen fuel
  • Automotive Industry
  • clean energy
  • sustainable transportation
  • zero emissions
  • incentives

  Summary of Comments ( 10 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42829795

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the viability of hydrogen cars, even with the substantial price reduction and fuel incentive. Several point out the lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure as a major hurdle, emphasizing the inconvenience compared to readily available EV charging. Others question the "free fuel" claim, suspecting it's baked into the cost and highlighting the ongoing expense after the initial allotment. Some commenters also criticize hydrogen's overall efficiency compared to battery electric vehicles, citing energy losses in production, storage, and transport. A few express interest in the technology, but the overall sentiment leans towards practicality concerns and doubts about hydrogen's future in personal transportation.

  The Hacker News post discussing the Toyota Mirai's price reduction and fuel incentive generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the practicality and economics of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about hydrogen as a viable fuel source for personal vehicles. One highlighted the inefficiency of the entire hydrogen production and distribution process, arguing that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are significantly more energy-efficient. This sentiment was echoed by others who pointed out the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure compared to the readily available charging options for BEVs. Another commenter questioned the "free fuel" claim, suggesting that its cost is likely built into the vehicle's price or subsidized, ultimately passing the expense on to the consumer or taxpayer.

  Some commenters discussed the challenges of storing and transporting hydrogen. One mentioned the energy-intensive process of compressing or liquefying hydrogen, further reducing its overall efficiency. Another pointed out the safety concerns associated with storing highly flammable hydrogen gas, comparing it to the challenges faced by natural gas vehicles.

  A few commenters touched upon the potential benefits of hydrogen, particularly for larger vehicles like trucks and buses, where the weight and range limitations of batteries become more significant. However, even these commenters acknowledged the current infrastructure limitations and the need for significant investment in hydrogen production and distribution.

  One commenter offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that hydrogen could have a role in specific niche applications, such as long-haul trucking or in regions with abundant renewable energy resources for hydrogen production. However, they agreed that for the average consumer, BEVs remain a more practical and economical option.

  A couple of commenters mentioned the environmental impact of hydrogen production, noting that unless the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, it offers little to no environmental advantage over gasoline-powered vehicles.

  While some comments briefly mentioned the Mirai's features and performance, the overall discussion primarily revolved around the broader debate of hydrogen versus battery electric vehicles, with the majority of commenters expressing skepticism about the viability of hydrogen for personal transportation in the near future. There wasn't a significant amount of discussion specifically about the Mirai itself beyond its pricing and fuel incentive.

• The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

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  Posted: 2025-01-18 12:38:34

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  The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, revolutionized the auto industry by popularizing hybrid technology. While not the first hybrid, its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability brought the technology into the mainstream. This spurred other automakers to develop their own hybrid models, driving innovation and establishing hybrid powertrains as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline engines. The Prius's success also elevated Toyota's brand image, associating it with environmental consciousness and technological advancement, paving the way for broader acceptance of electrified vehicles.

  The Toyota Prius, introduced to the global market in the late 1990s, served as a pivotal catalyst in reshaping the automotive landscape, ushering in an era of heightened awareness and demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Prior to the Prius’s emergence, hybrid technology, while conceptually promising, remained largely relegated to the fringes of the automotive world, perceived as niche and impractical by many consumers. The Prius, however, defied these preconceived notions, successfully demonstrating the viability and practicality of hybrid powertrains for everyday use. Its innovative combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, working in concert to optimize fuel consumption, resonated with a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking respite from escalating gasoline prices.

  The article meticulously delineates the Prius’s journey from a relatively obscure engineering project within Toyota to its eventual ascension as a global automotive icon synonymous with hybrid technology. This transformative impact extended beyond Toyota itself, compelling other major automakers to invest heavily in the research and development of their own hybrid and subsequently electric vehicle programs. The Prius, in essence, set in motion a chain reaction, forcing the entire industry to acknowledge the shifting consumer preferences towards more sustainable and economically viable modes of transportation.

  Furthermore, the article explores the technical intricacies that underpinned the Prius’s success, highlighting the sophisticated control systems that seamlessly managed the interplay between the gasoline engine and electric motor. This sophisticated power management system, a hallmark of the Prius’s design, allowed it to achieve unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or practicality. This meticulous engineering not only solidified the Prius’s position as a technological frontrunner but also served as a blueprint for subsequent generations of hybrid vehicles.

  Beyond its technological achievements, the Prius also played a significant role in reshaping public perception of environmentally friendly vehicles. Prior to its arrival, such vehicles were often stigmatized as being underpowered, aesthetically unappealing, or prohibitively expensive. The Prius effectively challenged these stereotypes, presenting a compelling case for the viability and desirability of eco-conscious motoring. Its distinctive design, while initially polarizing, eventually became recognized as a symbol of environmental responsibility, further solidifying its cultural impact.

  In conclusion, the Toyota Prius’s influence on the automotive industry is undeniable and far-reaching. It not only popularized hybrid technology but also catalyzed a fundamental shift in consumer expectations, pushing the entire industry toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. Its legacy extends beyond mere sales figures, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal transportation.

  • Toyota
  • Prius
  • Automotive Industry
  • Hybrid Vehicles
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Innovation
  • Automotive History
  • Transportation
  • Technology
  • manufacturing
  • Consumer Cars
  • Environmental Impact
  • Automotive Engineering

  Summary of Comments ( 107 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42747899

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters generally agree that the Prius had a significant impact, but debate its nature. Some argue it normalized hybrids, paving the way for EVs, while others credit it with popularizing fuel efficiency as a desirable trait. A few contend its main contribution was demonstrating the viability of electronically controlled cars, enabling further innovation. Several commenters share personal anecdotes about Prius ownership, highlighting its reliability and practicality. Some critique its driving experience and aesthetics, while others discuss the social signaling aspect of owning one. The environmental impact is also debated, with some questioning the overall benefit of hybrids compared to other solutions. A recurring theme is Toyota's missed opportunity to capitalize on its early lead in the hybrid market and transition more aggressively to full EVs.

  The Hacker News post titled "The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry" (linking to an IEEE Spectrum article on the same topic) generated a moderate discussion with several interesting points raised.

  Several commenters discussed the Prius's role as a status symbol, particularly in its early days. One commenter highlighted its appeal to early adopters and environmentally conscious consumers, associating it with a certain social status and signaling of values. Another built on this, suggesting that the Prius's distinct design contributed to its visibility and thus its effectiveness as a status symbol. This visibility, they argued, made it more impactful than other hybrid vehicles available around the same time. A different commenter pushed back on this narrative, arguing that the Prius's status symbol appeal was geographically limited, primarily to areas like California.

  The conversation also touched upon the technical aspects of the Prius. One commenter praised Toyota's engineering, specifically the HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) system, highlighting its innovation and reliability. They pointed out that other manufacturers struggled to replicate its efficiency for a considerable time. Another comment delved into the details of the HSD, explaining how it allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds, a key differentiator from other early hybrid systems.

  Some commenters offered alternative perspectives on the Prius's impact. One argued that while the Prius popularized hybrid technology, it was Honda's Insight that deserved more credit for its earlier release and superior fuel economy at the time. Another commenter suggested that the Prius's success was partly due to its availability during a period of rising gas prices, making its fuel efficiency a particularly attractive selling point.

  Finally, a couple of commenters discussed the Prius's influence beyond just hybrid technology. One noted its contribution to the broader acceptance of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars in the US market. Another pointed to its role in paving the way for fully electric vehicles, arguing that it helped familiarize consumers with the idea of alternative powertrains.

  In summary, the comments section explored various facets of the Prius's impact, from its status symbol appeal and technical innovations to its role in shaping consumer preferences and paving the way for future automotive technologies. While acknowledging its significance, the comments also offered nuanced perspectives and highlighted the contributions of other vehicles and market factors.