Following similar programs in the United States, Japan, France and Belgium, Toyota has begun testing a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid in the UK. As with the test in the aforementioned countries, Toyota will use the field tests to monitor vehicle performance, test the available infrastructure and also gauge consumer demand.
The tests, which kicked off September 10th, are being jointly run with EDF Energy – the UK subsidiary of France’s EDF. Toyota failed to mention how long the trial period was intended to last, but the Japanese automaker hopes to have the plug-in Prius ready for fleet sales in 2009, with retail sales slated to begin in 2010.
However, unlike Chevrolet’s plug-in Volt – which is slated for sales in 2010 –Toyota plans to offer the plug-in Prius with nickel-metal hydride batteries — the very same used in the Prius on the market today. But thanks to larger battery packs and the ability to plug-in for extra power, the plug-in hybrid should be good for at least 8 miles of all-electric propulsion.
09/11, 6:31 PM
posted by:
Omnicient
Best ridiculous statement of the day “and also gauge consumer demand”.
Hmm, no people really like to go fill up on more overpriced gasoline. Hmmm, lets see Prius’ have been selling like hotcakes the way they are now. We want to improve the hybrid to make it run solely on electrical power, so you don’t have to fill up nearly as much. Gosh, fellow Toyota execs … I really don’t know if people are willing to buy this. I mean they’ll save money and all, let alone maybe pollute just a little bit less – but I really don’t think the public is ready for this tiny step yet.
LMAO !!! God the gaull of the top automakes to drag their feet just a little bit more.
Even though this Prius will only get 12.8 km’s solely on electrical power – I’d still say it was worth every penny. Can’t wait till they actually make them go maybe 40-50 km’s per charge. I hate domestics but if they Volt is the first car to do it – Hell I’ll just have to go buy one!
2cents
09/11, 6:56 PM
posted by:
FRANKE_D
need more oil should comment any time soon…
09/11, 8:29 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This is important. The British could never make a car where any of the electric components ever worked so if nothing else you can at least prove to the masses that it is possible.