Toyota to Obtain Permission for Public Road Test for Plug-in Prius in Japan

Toyota Motor Co. will obtain permission from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport by the end of July for the testing of a prototype plug-in Prius on public roads.

Toyota will be the first car maker to obtain permission for a plug-in hybrid test in Japan. After completing the road tests, Toyota will start building a way to market the model by leasing them to public (government and municipal) offices.

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SupraNeverBack - 7/19/2007 1:06:43 PM

+1 Boost

As I said, 5~10years from now, the world belongs to plug-in hybrids.

Htay7500 - 7/19/2007 1:27:37 PM

+1 Boost

hybrids arent the future, nor are diesels or e85!!!!

Kinger - 7/19/2007 1:32:01 PM

+1 Boost

Yet more automotive clairvoyance...

EnnNorak - 7/20/2007 10:27:06 AM

+1 Boost

Hybrids will only ever be useful if they are plug-in hybrids and used nearly exclusively in an urban environment. Power companies will have to offer special electricity rates to customers who recharge their hybrids off peak hours which means a whole new type of computerized electricity meter and billing system. These hybrids will shift the automotive emissions problem to the power companies but emisions on a massive scale may be easier to deal with at the power company. The problem with hybrids for long distance travel is that they can be driven hard (uphill and with acceleration) for only short periods just like a boxer who runs out of energy in the early rounds.

rg12345 - 7/19/2007 4:33:50 PM

-1 Boost

It is ugly.

EnnNorak - 7/20/2007 10:28:46 AM

+1 Boost

I don't think it's ugly at all. If it was a little bigger and had a 2.5 litre diesel I'd probably buy one.

Lexus - 7/20/2007 10:29:57 PM

+1 Boost

Can anyone said 100+mpg? LOL :) come Toyota I know you can do it.

Lexus