Toyota and Ford announce plans to produce 'plug-in' hybrid cars
Thu 26 July 2007
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Toyota has become the first leading car maker to produce a commercially viable 'plug-in' hybrid car. Toyota said it has received approval to test drive the prototype version of the Prius petrol-electric hybrid model on Japanese roads.
Plug-in vehicles use a battery that can be charged from a household power socket, making them less dependent on a combustion engine and providing lower fuel consumption than existing hybrids. In order to improve the charging capacity of the batteries, Toyota has switched to lithium-ion batteries from the nickel-hydrogen variety used in current hybrid models.
Meanwhile, Ford has also announced a partnership with Southern California Edison, a power utility, to install rechargeable batteries in 20 Ford Escape sport-utility vehicles, starting this year. The Financial Times also reports that several other California utilities have launched similar ventures.
According to an article in the New Scientist, Ford says cars incorporating the technology could go on sale within the next decade, providing battery technology continues to improve.
General Motors recently revealed that it aims to mass produce its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid by 2010. A concept version was shown at this year's Detroit motor show.
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