3rd Gen Prius will NEVER use lithium?
NiMH-only until fourth gen Prius?
Due to costs and reliability concerns, Toyota has decided that the third generation Prius will never use lithium-ion batteries during its lifetime. Instead, the third generation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive will continue to use NiMH batteries - at least for the Prius - until at least the fourth generation Prius according to an unconfirmed report.
Toyota, according to the report, still plans to use lithium in the future. Also, Toyota has hinted at the possibility of lithium-powered Lexus hybrid vehicles. Thus, considering the production increases expected for the 2010 Prius, perhaps it’s just not the right platform to validate lithium technology.
Original post by Dahcredyns