Plug-in Prius Tests Confirmed

Toyota will test plug-ins

Toyota has confirmed that it will test plug-in hybrids. Oddly, however, the Toyota Plug-in HV will be tested using NiMH batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries. According to Toyota, the Toyota Plug-in HV, based upon the Prius, will only achieve about 8 miles of pure electric power.

So, what's going on? Does a NiMH-powered plug-in hybrid demonstrate that there are problems with Toyota's lithium batteries? Obviously, a lithium-powered plug-in hybrid would offer better performance than a NiMH-powered plug-in. Of course, lithium also would cost more, and there are still safety issues.

Is this just more proof that Toyota's third generation Prius will not be lithium powered? Might the third generation Prius include a plug-in option - still using NiMH batteries - as a way of advancing the Hybrid Synergy Drive without utilizing lithium?