Toyota Accelerates Plug-in Hybrid Plans Amid Rivals' Growth

Toyota, the world's largest automaker, is increasing its pace to introduce plug-in hybrid vehicles, bucking its earlier reluctance to market lower-emission cars. The company's decision comes as its rivals, including General Motors and Nissan, are surging ahead with their own plug-in models. Toyota's executive vice president, Takeshi Uchiyamada, revealed that the company will begin sales of the plug-in version of its Prius hybrid in 2011, allowing users to provide feedback during the leasing period.

Key Takeaways:

• Toyota will begin sales of the plug-in Prius hybrid in 2011, following a leasing period for select government and corporate clients.
• The plug-in Prius will use the lithium-ion battery, a powerful technology already employed by many of Toyota's rivals.
• The car will travel 23.4 kilometers (14.5 miles) on a single electric charge before switching to a gas-electric hybrid system, achieving an overall mileage of 57 kilometers a liter (134 miles per gallon).
• The plug-in Prius will charge in approximately 100 minutes and offer a running cost that is halved when compared to a regular Prius, especially when recharged during nighttime hours when electricity costs are lower.
• Toyota plans to introduce a pure electric urban commuter vehicle in 2012, which will run on lithium-ion batteries.
• Toyota executives emphasize the benefits of regular hybrid technology over all-electric vehicles, citing constraints such as short range, feeble horsepower, lack of infrastructure, long charging times, and the potential burden on the electric grid.

Statistics:

• Toyota plans to sell up to 60,000 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrids per year, starting in late 2010 (Source: General Motors).
• The regular Prius hybrid starts at $22,400 in the United States.
• The plug-in Prius will achieve a mileage of 57 kilometers a liter (134 miles per gallon), exceeding the regular Prius's 38 kilometers a liter.
• The plug-in Prius will charge in approximately 100 minutes.
• Toyota plans to introduce a pure electric urban commuter vehicle in 2012.

Sources:

• Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Syndigate.info
• Albawaba.com