VIDEO: Plug-in Prius tests in London
The plug-in Prius tests that started yesterday in London were not without a bit of hoopla, and our friend Adam V. from Smartplanet was on hand to video a bit of the introduction. We, sadly, don't get to see the PHEV on the road - but I guess we've all seen Priuses driving by now and you can't really tell the PHEV version from the outside except for the stickers anyway - but Adam does get a few minutes of Q&A with Toyota's Colin Hensley and EDF Energy's Peter Hofman. Hofman says that even with today's coal-fired dirty electricity, driving a plug-in hybrid can reduce your CO2 emissions by 40 percent compared to driving a standard, gas-powered vehicle. Hensley talks a little bit about the upcoming revamp of the test PHEV Prius that will feature li-ion batteries for increased power and range. Watch the video at Smartplanet. Thanks to Adam for the tip.
Gallery: Plug-in Prius testing in London
Gallery: EDF Prius charging station
[Source: Smartplanet]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TheRookie 5:50PM (9/11/2008)
Did he say "6 miles range" or there is something wrong with my ears? The current Prius can do about 2 or 3 miles in EV mode, so what's the point of installing additional battery and charging it for 2 hours just to do extra 3-4 miles?
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tankd0g 8:16PM (9/11/2008)
The Prius isn't built to be an electric car, the Prius's economy is mostly due to it's ability to store waste energy from braking and when the motor is running but not loaded. Twice the battery means twice the storage. This will likely make a huge difference in fuel economy over the old one. The plugin part is mostly to placate the hard core enviro's who think a car must have a tail to and be built in the image of their almighty God, the EV1. The Volt's claimed 40 mile range is going to come at the expense of much worse fuel economy out of the gas engine when it is used. So for people who drive more than 40 miles a day the Prius may well get the better cost per mile ratio.
Chris M 1:50AM (9/12/2008)
For their first plug-in hybrid prototype, Toyota used what they had available, and added a second NiMH battery as that's what is ready now. They are researching LiIon batteries, and will use them to get greater range once they are ready.
With doubled range and doubled power, Toyota also increased the power of the 2 motor generators, and changed the gear ratio of the power split device, allowing EV operation up to 60 mph.
Granted, a 6 mile EV range isn't much, but it still helps cut fuel consumption, especially on short local drives.
Peekoyle 8:33AM (9/12/2008)
What a waste of time. iMiev all the way!!
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