I had the opportunity to drive my Uncle's Primus (I think an 03 model) while on vacation. I have to admit it was an interesting little car. Great for 1 or 2 persons (like most of us drive most of the time), not overly peppy but not too bad either. I may think about one in a few years if they are still around as a weekday commuter vehicle. I still need a truck on weekends and for towing.

I don't think they are playing with physics too much here either. The main savings in town driving come from shutting off the engine when you aren't moving. I have a GPS mounted in my car and often look at how much time in a short trip is spent "Stopped" vs "Moving". It's a good indicator of what is killing the city mileage. They do gain a few points by recovering energy with the regenerative braking, but I wonder how much that actually saves. I think the Toyota system uses the main motor for braking not something in each wheel. If so, since it's already there as a motor why not also use it as a generator.

If a different design requires extra components, I wonder if its really worth the extra complexity.

The extra highway mileage seems to come from having a very small engine with enough power to keep the mass moving. It uses the electric motor to help the gas engine accelerate. Like the previously posted specs indicate, with both the motor and gas engine working together, it has very decent torque.

I'm really waiting for a reasonably priced 4x4 truck. If they can get a truck up from the 15-18 mpg range into the 30-35 mpg range with hybrid technology, and keep the price reasonable, I think they will sell quite a few. If it wasn't for towing concerns I'd buy one. I bet it would handle a little utility trailer any way. Just not a 3500# tractor on a car hauler.

In the SUV market, I wouldn't be suprised to see that diesel/hybrid combo show up. If they throw in the ability to access the generator with some 120 volt and 240 volt outlets like I've seen info on, I think it would make a great contractor truck. A few people in rural areas may be interested as well.

Just my slightly wordy $.02

jparker

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