The latest Toyota Prius, the fourth-gen, had arrived a couple months back so it will take at least about 2021 before we will get to see a redesign. Until then, hybrid fans will have no choice but to be opt for the most efficient but ugly model.
In the zero emissions area, Toyota doesn’t really have much to show right now but it says that battery-electric vehicles are cheaper to produce than hybrids, depending on its range.
Satoshi Ogiso, Toyota’s chief engineer, says it merely costs less to produce all-electric models with less than 155 miles of range than it takes to produce hybrids. This suggests that Toyota isn’t considering a 200-mile model such as the Chevy Bolt.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt
But it does indicate that there are developments in making zero emissions models more affordable. Hence, when the next-gen Prius arrives it looks like Toyota does not have a reason not to consider going all-electric in addition to its regular and plug-in hybrid models.
Besides, the Chevrolet Bolt has proven what a 60kWh battery unit can do even without any aid from a gas engine. It can nail 55 miles more range than had expected and produces more power and torque than the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt.
It seems plausible that Bolt had inspired Toyota that there is another world beyond the hybrid world and that the latter would definitely miss out if it does not start following GM’s footsteps.
Source: http://dailysunknoxville.com/next-gen-toyota-prius-considers-going-all-ev/920014002