The Plug-In version of the Toyota Prius Hybrid

"Plug-In" Hybrids, that can be driven in the traditional hybrid way or fully on electric power. The latter is especially advantageous when you mostly make city trips. Being able to charge the car's batteries overnight via a normal power outlet is another pro. For existing Prius Hybrids there's also a Toyota Prius Plug-In conversion set available.

Known as the eco-friendly car, hybrid cars that you plug in are considered symbols of the advanced future. The savings on gas add up to thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the car. Right now, plug-in hybrids are scarcely available to the buying public. Instead, regular hybrid cars are the dominant money-saving choice available to consumers. But developments are fast in this field!

The July 1969 issue of Popular Science featured an article on a plug-in hybrid manufactured by General Motors. The concept was that this plug-in hybrid car was a vehicle meant for traveling average distances. Called the General Motors XP-883, it had six 12-volt lead batteries located in the trunk area. And it was meant to be plugged into a standard 110-volt socket for recharging, and the fuel tank could hold about 10 liters.

In September of 2004, the California Cars initiative made a 2004 Toyota Prius prototype into what it called a PRIUS+, the difference being that the converted model had an add-on - there were 130 kg of lead-acid batteries on board. Other companies are also planning to sell plug-in hybrids in about the next five to ten years. In fact the only thing that controls the development speed is how fast improvements are made to lithium ion batteries. Well, those developments go very fast!

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