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Toyota Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Prius

Posted by Zonk on from the whiiiirrrrrrr dept.

phlack writes "Toyota has announced a plug-in hybrid vehicle, based on their popular Prius. So far, it will only have a range of 8 miles on the battery (13km). They are going to test this vehicle on the public roads, apparently a first for the industry. From the article: 'Unlike earlier gasoline-electric hybrids, which run on a parallel system twinning battery power and a combustion engine, plug-in cars are designed to enable short trips powered entirely by the electric motor, using a battery that can be charged through an electric socket at home. Many environmental advocates see them as the best available technology to reduce gasoline consumption and global-warming greenhouse gas emissions, but engineers say battery technology is still insufficient to store enough energy for long-distance travel.'"

5 of 555 comments (clear)

  1. Promising technology by BenjiTheGreat98 · · Score: 2, Funny

    This is out of my home town's paper:

    http://www.t-g.com/story/1218203.html
    http://www.t-g.com/story/1232246.html

    Basically it is a car with no fuel and a self recharging battery and runs on a hydraulic pump system. They are getting a patent for it now, so they are trying to keep the details to a minimum. But they say from the fly wheel back the car is unchanged.

    --
    :wq
  2. The technology is insufficently advanced. by Kaenneth · · Score: 5, Funny

    Any technology that is distinguisable from magic is insufficently advanced

  3. Re:The real question is... by the_other_one · · Score: 5, Funny

    Any by extension, what is the cost/mile on electricity vs. the cost/mile on gasoline?

    That depends on the cost per foot of your extension cord.

    --
    134340: I am not a number. I am a free planet!
  4. Re:8 miles? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Maybe Honda should bring back their '80s CRX. A version of the sucker got easy 40miles/gallon with straight gas engine, and plenty peppy.

    True, but the CRX performance and fuel efficiency took a nosedive if you took any kind of cargo with you in the car-- say, a bagel.

  5. Re:Please explain by vought · · Score: 2, Funny

    Really? Because I just put 13 gallons in my ~3mpg Civic this morning.

    Try to be snarky...

    That's a ~36mpg Civic. On "Slow down cowboy!" mode - because it thinks it is about outta gas.