Toyota gets "okayed" to begin testing plug-in hybrids

So this came out of no where. Just Monday, Toyota said it doesn’t expect plug-in hybrid cars to be a huge success until battery performance doubles. Well today Toyota announced that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle and will become the first manufacturer to have it certified for use on public roads in Japan.

The Toyota Plug-in HV, will use both a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor. An increased battery capacity gives it a longer electric-motor-only cruising range allowing short trips in city driving...
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SupraNeverBack - 7/25/2007 3:20:19 PM

+1 Boost

Now we are waiting for better batteries...

Will_ - 7/25/2007 4:52:24 PM

+1 Boost

I don't know.

All I know is, don't use Energizer rechargable batteries.

They are crap!

johnct - 7/25/2007 11:42:24 PM

+1 Boost

Why is Toyota producing 8 Chevy Volts for PR considered news?

johnct - 7/25/2007 11:42:25 PM

+1 Boost

Why is Toyota producing 8 Chevy Volts for PR considered news?

XYZZ - 7/26/2007 8:56:08 AM

+1 Boost

because there is NO NEWS about any plans for the chebby bolts to be advanced from a SHOW CAR, to prototype, to test mules, to actual production. duh.

gm will NEVER ever catch up to toyota. at best, they'll lag 5 - 10 years behind. always.

JWalkerLegrande - 7/26/2007 10:13:41 AM

+1 Boost

I did not know Gm or Toyota were battery makers. If you read the news, plugin hybrids depend on the battery life /quality evolution, have nothing to do with OEs.

Until this becomes a reality, look at the Honda FCX. Far more advanced than a hybrid of any sort.

norak - 7/28/2007 12:16:39 AM

+1 Boost

I can't wait for a plug-in hybrid like Prius 3 or the Chevy Volt. For daily commuting I will be able to use only electricity and at night can plug the car in thereby using dirt cheap electricity and not having to pay high prices for petrol. Unfortunately, GM and Toyota are taking their time. When they bring it out, I also hope it is cheap.