For those of you who love the Toyota Prius as much as I do, you’ll be happy to hear that Toyota recently announced plans for a new plug-in version, which is estimated to hit the streets in 2010. The new Prius is rumored to have several features, including:
- New battery technology – Toyota will upgrade the current batteries, but claims lithium-ion technology isn’t quite hybrid ready. We’ll see what Toyota does, especially since GM has plans to use lithium-ion batteries.
- Full battery charge in four hours.
- Travel up to 60 miles per hour and 7 miles on electricity only.
- More aggressive electric only mode (e.g. you can accelerate harder without engaging the gas engine).
- Household electric plug compatible (3-prong plug).
Before you get too excited, rumors are the first version of the plug-in hybrid feature will likely be offered as an optional feature, and may only be available to large, leased fleets such as company cars. I really hope that’s not the case because I’m ready for a plug-in hybrid now! I’m fortunate to have electricity rates about 50% lower in the area where I live since the city purchases and resells electricity in bulk.
What I love about this idea is that those who wish to plug in the car can do so, and those who want to drive it like a normal car can do so as well and never bother with plugging in the car. As a side note, I also learned that Toyota’s Lexus line of cars may come out with a new, pure-hybrid model not based off of any of its existing vehicles. More on that when I have more information.
They can add me to the list for a plug-in Prius. I really like the idea that it will have an onboard inverter. No more large clunky charger that you need to park near.
I bet you’ll see many of these cars with added solar systems also. Since your charger is onboard why not charge while you are parked?
Mike,
Solar systems are a great idea - I’m salivating at the thought of having something like that! Stay posted as I get more information on the next generation green cars. It seems to only get better and better for us consumers.