Plug-in Toyota Prius coming in 2010, prototype averaging 65 mpg

Posted: Feb 02, 2009

Filed under: Hybrids, Green News, Toyota

The upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid has been averaging 65 mpg in combined gasoline and electric-mod testing according to Bill Reinert, Toyota Motor Sales USA’s national alternative-fuel vehicle manager.

“That is real-world driving,” Reinert told Automotive News. “I ask my guys to drive them as you drive your normal Prius.”

The 2010 Toyota Prius, with its parallel hybrid and nickel-metal hydride batteries, averages an estimated 50 mpg. Sales of the plug-in hybrid Prius will begin sometimes after 2010.

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota said it will globally lease 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. 150 of the plug-in Prius models will come to the U.S. The lithium-ion battery packs are mated to a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Ross F. Guldenbrein

Sounds good to me! I've got a deposit sitting down at the local Toy dealership to hold the first PHEV to hit the showroom floor. We won't be buying another vehicle until we can pug it in. Can't wait to PLUG IN!

zermatt

OK, so you plug this into you home electrical system and charge the car up. How much power will it consume and how does the cost for electricity compare with the cost of gas?

If plug in hybrids become the rage what will be the affect on electricity rates for consumers?