Toyota Plug-In Prius (PHEV) Press Release

Among “green” car owners, the OEM plug-in hybrid, or “PHEV”, is seen as the next evolutionary step in auto efficiency. PHEV’s plug into a source of electricity to recharge their batteries, then travel on pure electric power for a distance and get fuel efficiency ratings in the 100+ MPG range afterwards, thus reducing gasoline consumption, and significantly reducing pollution as well (even when the electricity comes from coal plants). Toyota released this video shortly after getting permission from the Japanese government to test drive their prototype PHEV on public roads. So far, no other company is this far along in development of a PHEV, though Chevy is trying to develop their “Volt” concept, and Ford wants an electric vehicle by 2010 as well.