Plug in hybrids at the Detroit auto show include Prius and Ford Escape

[papau]

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9851249-7.html

January 15, 2008 3:31 PM PST
Toyota and Ford plug in their hybrids


Toyota shows its plug-in Prius on the show floor.

Toyota surprised us with a plug-in hybrid Prius on the floor at the 2008 Detroit auto show. The company has resisted the plug-in hybrid movement previously, citing the fact that you don't need to plug in the Prius as a virtue. But there has been quite a bit of interest in plug-in hybrids from individuals and even power companies. Plug-in proponents claim to get 100 mpg by modifying Priuses and recharging the batteries when the cars aren't being used. Toyota seems to have finally given into the plug-in pressure, starting up its own plug-in program and handing over a couple of prototype plug-in Priuses to the University of California. At the Detroit auto show, Toyota not only had a plug-in Prius on the floor, along with an informational display, but it also had two running around the city as VIP transportation. The plug-in Priuses still use Toyota's hybrid system, but have been modified with an additional nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, increasing electric range and speeds.

Ford also got into the game, showing off a plug-in Escape Hybrid in its display area. Ford is working on the plug-in technology in conjunction with Southern California Edison. The plug-in Ford Escape Hybrid uses lithium-ion batteries, giving it fuel economy of 120 mpg, according to Ford.

[madeline_con]

1. Good news!

Reducing our use of fossil fuel is a good idea. Ethanol is not necessarily the answer, as some proclaim.


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=130152&mesg_id=130158

[papau]

4. More on the possible 2009 plug in Prius!

Plug-In Prius Hybrid Looking Likely
October 24, 2007 4:07 AM | permalink

Popular Mechanics' Ben Stewart took a few laps in a prototype Toyota Prius that can be plugged into a wall outlet to recharge its batteries. He says it seems likely that the next generation Prius, a 2009 model, will feature plug-in technology.

The most impressive part of the system was that it can take 1/4 to 1/2 throttle without engaging the gasoline engine. And that means for short 3 to 4 mile commutes, one could conceivably get to work and return home solely on electric power. The hybrid mode works much like the current car, engaging the internal combustion engine much sooner. This mode, it is presumed will be most applicable to long trips, when charging the battery isn’t an option.

The power still has to come from somewhere, of course, but putting plug-in options into the most popular hybrid car is a good thing, as it widens the variety of sources from which the power can be obtained, be it from regional power plants or home zero-point dynamos.

First Drive: 2009 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Prototype

[143tbone]

2. Modification of existing Priuses (???) is how much? n/t

[papau]

3. Only doing 2004 and later for about $10,000 to $15,000.

[IDemo]

5. For those interested

Book TV will feature Sherry Boschert tomorrow morning at 8:00AM (Eastern). Boschert is the author of "Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that Will Recharge America".