Toyota Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Prius 555
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.'"
Promising technology (Score:2, Funny)
http://www.t-g.com/story/1218203.html [t-g.com]
http://www.t-g.com/story/1232246.html [t-g.com]
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.
The technology is insufficently advanced. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The real question is... (Score:5, Funny)
That depends on the cost per foot of your extension cord.
Re:8 miles? (Score:1, Funny)
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.
Re:Please explain (Score:3, Funny)
Try to be snarky...
That's a ~36mpg Civic. On "Slow down cowboy!" mode - because it thinks it is about outta gas.