Toyota to Launch A Revamped Plug-in Prius in 2017

Plug-in Toyota Prius with Roof Solar Panel Option

In a move to revitalise faltering sales figures in its hybrid flagship model, Toyota showed off its redesigned plug-in Prius in Tokyo showcasing new features such as an extended all driving range. Plug-in hybrids can switch between electric and hybrid modes so drivers do not have to worry about how much power is left in the battery.

This upgrade has increased the driving range from 26.4km to over 60km which suffices for normal day today driving without switching to gasoline mode and is capable of peak speeds of 135km/h in electric mode.

Japanese specs includes an optional system that incorporates the use of rooftop solar panels to charge the battery, a helpful feature for those not able to charge their vehicles overnight.  The car will also be compatible with systems that can charge the battery to 80% in 20 minutes.

Many countries are changing their policies in favour of eco-vehicles for which auto makers now have to make indusrty adjustments.  California (not a country) requiries zero emission vehicles to make a certain a certain percentage of automaker sales. China, in response to its urban air pollution problem, offer generous subsidies to buyers of eco-vehicles.  In the United Kingdom, four cities have been awarded significant funding to promote green vehicle technology by building support infrastructures such as rapid chargng hubs, street lights doubling as charging points, bus lane access to to eco-car owners among other eco-vehicle perks.

This among others is by all means a clear and present indicator that the fossil fuel age is winding down and is being replaced by the age of reneable energy.  We have only just started to realise and tap into the enormous energy potential naturally available to us for which its harvesting would little or no environmental degradation in the process.