News

Toyota Plans to Develop a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

July 19, 2006 by Jeff Shepard

Jim Press, President of Toyota Motor North America Inc., revealed the company's plans to develop a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Speaking at the National Press Club, Press stated that hybrids are the "technology of the future, and they will play a starring role in the automotive industry in the 21st century." He also revealed that the company is investigating development of flexible fuel vehicles for the U.S. market which could run on E85, a fuel composed of 85% ethanol.

Press touted hybrid technology as a solution with long-term potential due to its adaptability to several alternatives, such as biodiesels, clean diesels, ethanol, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. Press stated that the company envisions a plug-in hybrid that could "travel greater distances without using its gas engine; it will conserve more oil, and slice smog and greenhouse gases to nearly imperceptible levels." Toyota sees the plug-in option as a "long-term" program at this time due to the technology for developing the lithium-ion batteries that would be required still being as many as ten years away in terms of feasible commercial use.

Press also announced that the company intends to launch its sixth hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h luxury sedan, into the American market next year. The 600h will be the company's first hybrid with a V-8 engine.