The world leader in hybrid technology, Toyota, announced today that it will debut its highly anticipated 2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (Read the Press Release.)
What enables the Plug-In Prius to outperform in all-electric mode as compared to the conventional Prius? A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery allows the Plug-In Prius to achieve 13 miles on electric only mode at a speed of 60 mph. A conventional Prius Hybrid uses a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. Need to go farther (or faster)? To accomplish this, the Plug-In Prius converts to hybrid mode and acts like a conventional Prius.
Don’t expect to go to your local Toyota dealer and pick one up today. Unfortunately it will still be some time for the average U.S. consumer can purchase one. Toyota will be working with businesses, government, and select partners for further testing and evaluation. To assist potential customers with learning about Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs), Toyota launched PriusPHV.com.
