Prius plug-in hybrid debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show
September 13th, 2009
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The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) Concept vehicle will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Sept. 15-27, 2009, according to a press release posted on Toyota’s media website.
Based on the third-generation Prius, recently tested and reviewed by VehiclesTEST in this Prius video, the PHV Concept expands Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.
Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis.
