Plug-in Prius leasing
Prius has announced that the Tokyo Motor Corporation has started leasing the new plug-in version of the Prius in Japan with local collaboration with local governments selected under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s EV & PHV Towns program. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid has a larger capacity Lithium Ion battery that can travel 13 miles on electric power alone and at speeds of up to 60 mph. The Hybrid will be capable of recharging from outside power at home or commercial charging stations and could run on electric power alone for longer periods of time than the current Prius.
The vehicle could be used as an EV for short distances, while for medium and long distances trips it functions as a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency than conventional hybrid vehicles, limited consumption of fossil fuels, and reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution. Also, by charging with an off-peak electricity, it promises a more economical vehicle powering solution. I know that this is one model I can’ t wait to see at my new car dealer in Waukegan.
Approximately 200 units will be leased through a leasing company to designated parties such as government ministries, local governments and energy companies that are actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles. The parties that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be primarily participants in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “EV and PHV Towns” program, which aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrids (PHVs). These vehicles will only be leased to parties designated by Tokyo Motor Company.
During my Prius Waukegan test drive a few months ago, I fell in love with the 2010 model. So many updates were made that transformed the Prius into the ultimate hybrid, I can’t wait to see the fuel-efficient bliss that accompanies the plug-in version.
That is the first such application for Toyota aside from prototypes like its fuel cell Highlanders. In addition to the 200 cars in Japan, the U.S. and Europe will each get 150 cars, including 100 in France. TMC is also considering introducing plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Germany. A version of the PHEV Prius for retail sale is expected in about two years. Toyota also said it plans to introduce plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles in 2012, and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015. Also, during this decade, plans to sell one million hybrid vehicles a year. For great new car prices Waukegan shoppers have trusted Classic Toyota for years, and when the Plug-in Prius finally arrives, there won’t be a better place to buy one. at all .
