[b_t_s]

As long as they finally start adding plugin hybrids to the lineup. I'm itching to buy a PHEV tacoma, but it looks like midsize trucks will be the last form factor to get any decent options.

[alephnerd]

> plugin hybrids

That's the plan once their battery factory in NC goes online.

Toyota's battery partner Idemetsu Kosan is also on the verge of mass producing solid-state batteries too, along with Mitsubishi's AGC along with CATL's founder TDK.

Japan's Public-Private Solid-State Battery R&D Strategy is a great template for how these kinds of research programs should be lead [0][1][2] but doesn't get enough limelight because most info is in Japanese

[0] - https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/energy_environment/global_warm...

[1] - https://www.meti.go.jp/english/report/pdf/0520_001a.pdf

[2] - https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/energy_environment/glo...

[rwmj]

A small plugin hybrid would be nice. All the options seem to be SUVs.

[happosai]

There is going to be no small PHEVs because it is cheaper to build small BEVs. Case example in Finland:

Cheapest new BEVs start at 25.000€ (Citroen e-c3, Nissan Leaf)

Cheapest PHEV Start at 33.000€ (Kia CEED, Renault captur)

People think PHEV makes things cheaper than BEV. But really mixing two powertrains is expensive and complex, and can only be fit in big cars. Plug-in hybrid is a luxury feature that allows you not worry about charging on the road.

[taylodl]

The article says the first plugin hybrid on the new EV platform will likely be a Corolla plug-in hybrid that should be available in the US in 2027.

[gambiting]

There is a PHEV Prius which is not an SUV. It's not a small hatchback either, but yeah it's not a big car. And there is a PHEV C-HR too, which is more like a crossover than a proper SUV.

[dotancohen]

A small plugin hybrid doesn't make sense. It still needs room for both the ICE _and_ electrical parts. So the whole car is not scaling down, only the passenger compartment and luggage area.

[tomcam]

Chicken Tax makes that impossible

[gonzo41]

What would be great is a PHEV where you could slowly add more batteries over time. Or had the space and vendor support to up the EV only range.

[gambiting]

That would be amazing, except the manufacturer incentives to do so are not there :-( I have a Volvo XC60 T8 with an 11.6kWh battery, and apparently their new 18.8kWh battery fits in the same space - but Volvo doesn't support that as an upgrade, because obviously they would rather sell you a new car than a new battery.

[tasty_freeze]

They've been selling them since 2012.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius_Plug-in_Hybrid

[tomcam]

GP specified Tacoma

[timbit42]

Is it only Toyota who doesn't have PHEV pickups? BYD does and The RAM 1500 is coming but that's all I can find.