Check out this link to get the complete story on why Toyota (or any other vehicle producer) is not producing plug-in hybrids, or series hybrids or electric vehicles.

http://www.evworld.com/blogs/index.cfm?page=blogentry&authorid=51&blogid=104

Also more info at:

http://jcwinnie.biz/wordpress/?p=1387

Toyota is pursuing PHEV technology, probably focusing on using Li-ON batteries now. They will sell one in a few years.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006..._na_presi.html

and from this site:

http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?sect...e&newsid=11597

"SYNOPSIS: Using lithium ion batteries, Toyota's next generation Prius will be so efficient it will be the first production car capable of returning more than 110mpg by British fuel economy standards."

Gosh, I love British Imperial gallons for MPG calculations!

As concerns Prius efficiencies, I think there are 'low hanging fruit' to pluck before going plug-in. But that is best covered another day.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Please note that it was completely wrong information.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109981
The 110 mpg number came from Toyota's target 40 km/L based on the Jananese 10-15 mode test.
The current Prius II is rated as 35.5 km/L on the Japanese 10-15 mode test.
Their target was written as 40 km/L for the next Prius III, so the increase is 12.7%.
The EPA combined number is 55 mpg for the current model, so we can estimate the 2009 Prius will be 62 mpg EPA combined.

Ken@Japan