Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid to be Released in 2011

At the LA Auto Show earlier this month Toyota officially unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Prius. Toyota's Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamad recently stated that Toyota is going to start selling plug-in hybrids to consumers in 2011.

Before they are released to the buying public, Toyota is going to deliver 600 Prius plug-in hybrids to government agencies, corporations, universities and research agencies. The Prius plug-in is Toyota's first application of a lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the stronger battery, the car can travel up to 13 miles on electricity alone and reach speeds up to 60 mph using only the electric motor.