Will Toyota sell its Plug-in HV?

A Prius Plug-in hybrid from Hybrids-Plus

So, Toyota will test a plug-in hybrid vehicle based upon the Prius, but using NiMH batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries.

For what purpose?

Most feel the future of hybrid cars is completely dependent upon lithium-ion technology. Unfortunately, there are still a few too many safety issues for any major automaker to make a push into lithium-powered hybrid vehicles, especially lithium-powered plug-in hybrid vehicles - at least at this time.

When push comes to shove, there seems little reason to test a plug-in hybrid with NiMH batteries if the future is lithium, UNLESS Toyota is willing to sell such a vehicle - even in limited quantities.

So, will Toyota sell a NiMH powered Toyota Plug-In HV?

--> More on Toyota's Plug-in HV

Toyota's odd plug-in tests are official

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?