Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ

[Banzai]

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-scion-iq/

During a recent dealer meeting held by Toyota in Las Vegas, the Japanese automaker reconfirmed that the launch of the Prius V is still on track for this fall, that the Prius C will be headed our way in early 2012 and that the electric RAV4, along with the plug-in Prius, are coming sometime next year, as well.

But it was Toyota's confirmation that the electric Scion iQ will hit U.S. dealerships in 2012 that caught us by surprise. Why's that? Prior to this announcement, Toyota had not officially committed to a launch date for the electrified iQ. Now, it seems, the all-electric Scion iQ will be America-bound in less than 18 month's time.

Toyota's electrified minicar, with its estimated range of 50 miles, will face fierce competition from vehicles like the 73-mile rated Nissan Leaf, 85-mile "best case range scenario" Mitsubishi i, and, if Think Global survives bankruptcy, its 100-mile rated City electric. With electric vehicles already having been condemned for not hitting advertised range ratings, one has to wonder if Scion's electric will be a success in the States. Of course, the battery-powered Scion iQ's MSRP has yet to be announced and the vehicle's price is sure to influence potential buyers one way or the other.

IN Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ — Autoblog

[telmo.salgado]

O preço ainda não está estabelecido, mas talvez se possa prever que será bem mais barato que o Mi-ev, pelas baterias aparentemente mais pequenas (actualmente o Mitsubishi custa tanto como o Nissan Leaf!)...

Como em tudo o que é exposto ao mercado, é mesmo neste tópico, o do custo, que se centram sucessos e insucessos...E na cidade, o custo de utilização dum eléctrico faz muita diferença face a um térmico.