| The little funny looking Prius came to America in 2001. | | | | technology of the battery packs. Batteries need to |
| And with it came sweeping change to the Automobile | | | | make the jump into the 21st century and Toyota is at |
| industry. The use of an electric engine which has | | | | the leading edge of this technology. Just outside of |
| eluded auto makers for so long was now upon us. | | | | Tokyo is Toyota's Higashi0Fuji Technical Center which |
| And Toyota is still the pioneering force why it comes | | | | is the main test facility for Toyota Battery technology. |
| to hybrid power plants. Yes electric powered vehicle | | | | There resides the latest version of the nickel-metal |
| have been around for years, but it wasn't until recently | | | | hydride battery that will be used in the 2010 Prius. This |
| that Toyota made them available to the masses in the | | | | battery pack will be able to hold more of a charge for |
| form of a hybrid. Soon the public will have a couple of | | | | longer. When coupled with plug-in technology, an owner |
| all electric vehicles to choose from but these | | | | can charge the battery that powers the electric motor |
| automobiles will have a limited range. The new 2010 | | | | before leaving the house. And in return the Prius will |
| Prius will not only get 65 MPG using a new plug-in | | | | use that electric engine more often which cuts down |
| hybrid electric vehicle technology (PHEV), but it will also | | | | on fuel consumption and reduces emissions. This |
| be able to travel hundreds of miles. | | | | should bump the 2010 Prius over the 50 MPG mark for |
| The major hold-up with electric vehicle is the | | | | 2010. |