trikkonceptz -
Quote:
Originally Posted by trikkonceptz
I know a manual would be ideal for this type of car, but how would it work on the electric side? Hate to thread jack, but I have always wondered how a manual transmission would work with an electric motor.
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I am guessing that it's a Target Region + R&D + UMC (Unit Manufacturing Cost) issue. It's cheaper to develop and optimize for one drivetrain. USA is auto-trans-centric, so it's best to go where the $$ is. They *could* make a manual version, but that would represent a small segment of their sales, and the Prius is doing fine without one. Maybe the pro-manual Euro-market could push them to change their minds.
Question: How have hybrids fared in Europe? I read that they were not as successful, partially because of the pre-existing high MPG diesels.
CarloSW2