Yes; it’s true. The 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid does exist and will actually be available in 2010…for about 500 lucky bastards who have the ‘privilege’ of leasing it during its real world evaluation period. Though these real world tests are necessary in order for Toyota to hone its finally tuned machine before cranking them out on mass, the sneak peek Toyota gave of the 2010 Prius plug-in hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show has got enthusiasts chomping at the bit to purchase one tomorrow.
The Goods
Patience is a virtue, and for those of us who can’t wait for the new Prius to be available will…well…just have to wait. While we do; here are a few nifty tidbits from the press release about what is still being called the 2010 Prius plug-in hybrid ‘concept’:
- A derivative of the new Prius, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept builds on the core technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive® to address the specific needs of urban-based customers. It is a full hybrid vehicle in which both the electric motor and petrol engine can drive the wheels. A fully electric EV mode is employed for shorter ranges, while the hybrid powertrain’s petrol engine provides the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept with true long range capability.
- Lithium-ion batteries are used for the first time in a Toyota hybrid vehicle because they have different characteristics to their nickel-metal hydride counterparts. They are also more compact, having superior volumetric energy density, meaning vehicle weight and packaging need not be adversely affected.
- Offering a significant expansion of the hybrid drive system’s electric drive mode capabilities, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept avoids the traditional, limited range and challenging packaging issues of today’s electric vehicles. Moreover, it can be quickly recharged in 90 minutes from a conventional household electricity outlet or a public charging post.
- It can travel 20 km in EV mode and run up to 62 mph on electricity alone.
- The Prius Plug-in Hybrid generates CO2 emissions below 60 g/km and, like other full hybrid models, realises a significant reduction in PM and NOx.
No numbers relating to miles per gallon estimates have been released by Toyota, but given its stated all-electric range, combined with its already extremely efficient and proven hybrid synergy drive, the 2010 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid should likely surpass the still ubiquitous Chevy Volt’s estimated MPG. Remember though, MPG ratings mean nothing if you’re not driving a car using gasoline. In the Prius concept’s case, that means anywhere under 20 km.
Though this is all very exciting; don’t hold your breath in thinking you’ll get a chance to lease one. In early 2010, over 500 units equipped with lithium-ion batteries, will participate in a limited lease program worldwide. More than 150 units will be deployed to Europe alone. The rest will be scattered across North America and Japan.
The Good: A peak at the next phase of the wildly successful Prius
The Bad: At least a few years until the Prius plug-in hybrid is available to the public on a large scale. Current electrical infrastructure combined with centralized limited sources of lithium and other rare-earth metals leave the true achievable scale of electrical-based transportation up in the air.
The Bottom-Line: When it comes to hybrids, Toyota has been the go to company. It will be interesting to see what Toyota can come up with when it combines EV technology with its always improving hybrid drive.
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