Toyota To Introduce Prius Plug-In In 2010

Toyota has announced that the third revision of the Prius hybrid will be available in 2009, and will be followed by a plug-in hybrid electric model in 2010. As part of the announcement, the automaker indicated that some of the mileage claims being offered in the press were "overly optimistic."

While the press focuses on the 100-mpg claim, Toyota is careful to point out that the century-mark can only be achieved under specific driving conditions. Consumers should not expect the vehicle to perform at its full potential in situations like freeway driving, where fast accelerations are required. Toyota says that for most drivers, a 40-mile all-electric range is a reasonable expectation, and that some drivers may be disappointed if they expect the plug-in hybrid to provide a longer all-electric range.

The plug-in version of the Prius will use lithium-ion batteries. The carmaker will begin small volume production of the cells in 2009 and increase to large-volume production in 2010, to meet the anticipated demand for the plug-in model. Toyota did not indicate what it plans to charge for the plug-in model when it arrives in 2010. General Motors has already indicated that the all-electric Volt, also expected in 2010, will likely have an MSRP in excess of $30,000.

Consumer interest in alternative automotive technologies and small cars is at an all-time high. According to Cars.com, the Prius is the most-researched car on its site, even though the break-even point for hybrid cars frequently spans more than a decade. MINI USA also reports nearly double the hits on its web site this year when compared to unique visits in 2007.Industry analysts believe that all-electric vehicles may become cost-competitive with gasoline-powered models by 2012 or 2013.