Plug-in Prius prototype put on display

Toyota recently displayed a prototype plug-in Prius hybrid at Legislative Plaza during a field hearing on electric drive vehicles called for by the Congressional TVA Caucus.

The prototype Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) enhances the high fuel economy and ultra-low emissions of the popular Toyota Prius production hybrid model with an expanded Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery pack that can be charged by plugging into a standard household electrical outlet. With more electric power in reserve, the vehicle is capable of operating in pure-electric mode for longer periods of time and at speeds up to 60 mph.

By 2010, Toyota will have its next generation plug-in hybrid with Lithium-Ion batteries being tested by commercial fleets in the U.S. and elsewhere. With over 1.5 million hybrid sales worldwide, Toyota is the established leader in hybrid technology.

"As we look ahead, we believe hybrids will continue to raise the bar for new technology," says Robert Wimmer, Toyota's national manager for Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Energy & Environmental Research. "Plug-in hybrids can offer substantial gains in fuel economy and a reduction in total tailpipe emissions."

Toyota also displayed current hybrid production models, including Prius, Camry and Highlander. These much in demand models are producing considerable fuel savings and reduced emissions.

"When considering the benefit of new technologies, we must understand the relationship between large sales volumes and fuel savings," Wimmer says. "For example, if we double sales of a hybrid model, the fuel savings is greater than doubling its fuel economy with no change in sales volume. Therefore, it is critical that new technologies, such as plug-ins and fuel cells are introduced at a price point and utility that allow for high volume sales. Otherwise, their environmental benefit will be negligible."