NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota will display
a prototype plug-in Prius hybrid at Legislative Plaza on Monday, June 16,
during a field hearing on electric drive vehicles called for by the
Congressional TVA Caucus.
The prototype Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) enhances the high
fuel economy and ultra-low emissions of the popular Toyota Prius production
hybrid model with an expanded Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery pack that can be
charged by plugging into a standard household electrical outlet. With more
electric power in reserve, the vehicle is capable of operating in
pure-electric mode for longer periods of time and at speeds up to 60 mph.
By 2010, Toyota will have its next generation plug-in hybrid with
Lithium-Ion batteries being tested by commercial fleets in the U.S. and
elsewhere. With over 1.5 million hybrid sales worldwide, Toyota is the
established leader in hybrid technology.
"As we look ahead, we believe hybrids will continue to raise the bar
for new technology," said Robert Wimmer, Toyota's national manager for
Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Energy & Environmental Research. "Plug-in
hybrids can offer substantial gains in fuel economy and a reduction in
total tailpipe emissions."
Toyota will also display current hybrid production models, including
Prius, Camry and Highlander. These much in demand models are producing
considerable fuel savings and reduced emissions.
"When considering the benefit of new technologies, we must understand
the relationship between large sales volumes and fuel savings," Wimmer
said. "For example, if we double sales of a hybrid model, the fuel savings
is greater than doubling its fuel economy with no change in sales volume.
Therefore, it is critical that new technologies, such as plug-ins and fuel
cells are introduced at a price point and utility that allow for high
volume sales. Otherwise, their environmental benefit will be negligible.
The Congressional TVA Caucus field hearings on electric drive vehicles
will begin at 10:15 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 12. A tour of all
manufacturer's vehicles and a media availability will take place at the
main entrance of Legislative Plaza on 6th Avenue from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
| |
SOURCE Toyota
 back to top
CONTACT:
John McCandless of Toyota, +1-313-259-2004,
+1-313-610-5674 Cell
| |
|
