Toyota Prius ‘Alpha’ MPV Launching In 2011

Michael Larner May 30th, 2010
By Michael Larner

May 30th, 2010 Having sold over 1.6 million Priuses (Prii? Priores?) since its initial release in Japan in 1997, Toyota has finally realized two things: (1) that hybrid technology can be profitable, and that, more importantly to their sales numbers, (2) not everybody is willing to forgive the Prius its awkward looks just to make a fashion statement. Beginning next year, Toyota is planning on expanding the Prius lineup to include other body styles built on the hybrid’s platform. First in development is a compact MPV called Alpha. The new model, reportedly scheduled to go on sale around March 2011, will be the first of many new Toyota models built around Prius technology. About one foot longer than the Prius hatchback, the Alpha is expected to provide seating for seven. Due to its increased size and weight, the Alpha should be slightly less fuel efficient than the current Prius, which gets an EPA rated 50 mpg. Also, the Prius Alpha should be the first production hybrid Toyota to use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are known for being more powerful than their nickel-metal hydride counterparts, but they’re also more expensive. As such, a shorter, five-seater version of the Alpha, which may look similar to the Toyota Hybrid-X Concept from 2007, is also reportedly in the works, but will probably include the less expensive nickel-metal hydride batteries.


2007 Toyota Hybrid X Concept

Having sold over 1.6 million Priuses (Prii? Priores?) since its initial release in Japan in 1997, Toyota has finally realized two things: (1) that hybrid technology can be profitable, and that, more importantly to their sales numbers, (2) not everybody is willing to forgive the Prius its awkward looks just to make a fashion statement.

Beginning next year, Toyota is planning on expanding the Prius lineup to include other body styles built on the hybrid’s platform. First in development is a compact MPV called Alpha. The new model, reportedly scheduled to go on sale around March 2011, will be the first of many new Toyota models built around Prius technology. About one foot longer than the Prius hatchback, the Alpha is expected to provide seating for seven. Due to its increased size and weight, the Alpha should be slightly less fuel efficient than the current Prius, which gets an EPA rated 50 mpg.

Also, the Prius Alpha should be the first production hybrid Toyota to use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are known for being more powerful than their nickel-metal hydride counterparts, but they’re also more expensive. As such, a shorter, five-seater version of the Alpha, which may look similar to the Toyota Hybrid-X Concept from 2007, is also reportedly in the works, but will probably include the less expensive nickel-metal hydride batteries.