Green-car revolutionary Toyota has announced that both a Lexus and Toyota branded hybrids will debut at the Detroit auto show in January, according to articles published by Automotive News and others. Previous reports suggested that the first of a three-model Prius line up would be shown in the Motor City.
No real details have been officially released, though Toyota has said that the redesigned 2009 Prius would use nickel-metal hydride batteries. Today, Toyota said that its first plug-in hybrid would use the much-anticipated lithium-ion batteries, the holy grail for hybrid advancement. The plug-in will arrive in 2010. (Photo shown here is a concept based on the current Prius.)
Toyota is working with Panasonic EV Energy Co. to create the necessary lithium-ion batteries in mass quantities. Nissan has also declared it would be manufacturing lithium-ion batteries in 2009. By 2010, Toyota has stated it plans to be selling 1 million hybrid vehicles a year. That sounds like an ambitious goal given that Prius demand has already out-stripped current battery availability, but it does speak to the seriousness of the company’s production efforts.
While this excitement emanated from Japan on Wednesday, a Toyota technology leader spoke in Washington about tempering expectations from plug-in hybrids. Green enthusiasts have been clamoring for 100-plus mpg performance, though Toyota says the reality may be a bit more humble and the results may vary greatly depending on usage. In general, plug-ins promise efficiency for those who drive less than 40 miles per day, thereby using primarily electric power, and who can recharge the car from the power grid during off-peak hours.
Ford also chimed in today with a call for assistance from the federal government to advance plug-in hybrid development, according to Detroit News.
Clearly, cars will only become more fuel-efficient as the years march on. For those consumers anxious to downsize, it might be worth holding off for a few more months to see what form the next-generation green machines will take.
For more on fuel economy and green cars, read our DriveSmart articles.
