'Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV)'

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV)

10/11/09 08:03

In a few days from now, Germany will once again be the center of attention for car enthusiasts. The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, one of the most respectable car displaying events in the world, will feature some of the most interesting cars to date, including Toyota's new Plug-In Hybrid [Elecric] Vehicle or PHV / PHeV.

Like any other Prius on the road today, the Prius PHV will still run using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The only difference is that it will use lithium-ion batteries instead of the standard nickel-metal hydride, to give the vehicle a more electric kick.

Because the car is still in concept form and all the technology used in the car is still in development, first generation lithium-ion batteries on the Prius PHV Concept will only be making 12 miles on all-electric power, a little 'poor' to what other plug-ins allegedly offers.

Although Toyota did not reveal the plug-ins top speed on the road, sources says it can reach from 50-65 mph per hour. So in 10-20 mins on top speed, your electric power is already out. But the range of the vehicle is not dependent on its electric power alone, that's why it's an electric plugin hybrid. Once the electric power is all used up, the car system will automatically revert back to being a hybrid and will run just like how a standard Prius does.

Initially, Toyota is planning to create around 500 prototypes of their Prius PHV. The 500 examples will be used to gather data and eventually improve their technology. Out of the 500, around 150 will make it to the Americak market.

“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market  .....  This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them."

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