Plugin Toyota Prius Hitting 65MPG in Early Tests
15 mpg better than standard Prius
By Michael Gauthier
February 2, 2009 11:24 PM
Filed Under: Green, Hybrid, Japanese, Toyota
Toyota's newest Prius already gets an astounding 50 mpg but according to reports the upcoming plug-in version is averaging upwards of 65 mpg US (78mpg UK, 3.6 liters/100km) in early testing.
Perhaps the most significant detail about the 65 mpg number comes from the fact that it was gained from real world testing and not from the engineering lab. Toyota's US alternative-fuel vehicle manager, Bill Reinert, is quick to point out "That is real-world driving. I ask my guys to drive them as you drive your normal Prius."
The company is currently testing a variety of lithium-ion battery packs to determine which one offers the best combination of durability and power longevity for the Prius plug-in. Later in the year Toyota will expand it's testing by importing 150 plug-in models for evaluation purposes by colleges, commercial vehicle fleets, and select individuals (celebrities).
Expect the production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid to arrive sometime in late 2010 or early 2011.
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Comments
The current Prius is downright ugly. This one is a bit better though..
So do a lot of cars....hardly "astounding".....but good luck on them trying to do better. Personally I just wish they'd make a sporty car that would actually be desirable to own.
RIP Toyota as a sporty car maker
Edited by user on February 3, 2009 at 5:35 AM
what's wrong with a diesel? VW polo diesel does better than the prius in term of mileage, is environmentally friendlier to make AND costs alot less than this piece of garbage.
Hell here in australia, for the price of a brand new prius, you can get 2nd hand polo diesel AND 2nd hand R34 Skyline.
There, you can go fast on your weekends AND save the planet on your drive to work.
Edited by user on February 3, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Edited by user on February 3, 2009 at 5:03 PM
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