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SUVs/trucks and large cars were the perfect platform for a plug-in hybrid.
A smart company would have built these vehicles with the smallest size battery that qualifies for the full federal tax credit, which 16 kWh, or the size of the Pacifica battery which has an EV range of 33 miles. That's $469 per kWh of credit, which is twice the actual cost to build.
An SUV with an undersized ICE and powerful EV assist would have had decent fuel economy, especially in city driving, and have a range of about 30 miles EV. The size of the vehicle would make finding space for the battery/motor/controller easier. With 30 miles of EV range, 80% of total distance can be accomplished using only electricity.
The Volt came pretty close to ideal in this regard, but I'm wondering why Toyota still doesn't use the minimum size battery that qualifies for the full rebate amount in the Prime. They are leaving money on the table.
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