What Would a Low-Cost High-MPG Hybrid Mean?
If they can keep the price down, this could put even more pressure on automakers to introduce low-cost, high-MPG vehicles. Honda already made some waves with its low-priced Insight (and now says it will invest more in advanced hybrids), which was probably a big factor in Toyota’s decision to reduce the price of its new Toyota Prius, but if Chrysler/Fiat came out with a super-efficient small hybrid (with lithium-ion batteries, finally!) around $20k, this could have a big impact. But of course, we’re not there yet. Maybe the Chrysler-Fiat deal won’t happen, maybe Fiat will run into technical or cost issues, etc. Still, this is worth keeping an eye on. A lot of people would be interested in a modern, well-designed, low-priced hybrid car that (potentially) got much better MPG than the Prius.
