Low Impact

As a proud Prius owner, I’m always on the look-out for information on the new Prius, apparently slated for 2008. The fact that there is still no other hybrid vehicle that can match it, 3 years after I bought mine is something of an endorsement for this car. Friends are still amazed when they find out I use around 1/2 - 1/3 the petrol of their own cars.

Today there is plenty of buzz on the Net about Toyota gearing up to drop some hints about the planned new model at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. They have released a photo that appears to show a portion of a curvier, even more futuristic-looking Prius (see picture on this post), as well as a press release promising details on their “Hybrid X” technology. You can find the whole press release at AutoBlogGreen.

Previously, rumours about the new Prius have suggested a Lithium Ion battery (rather than the current NiMH), plug-in ability (to charge up from the wall - which makes sense of you purchase green power from your electricity company), and around half the fuel consumption (which would make it around 2.5litres/100km).

So far, Toyota has lead the other vehicle manufacturers in hybrid technology. It’ll be great to see where they’re going next!

Categories: efficiency, environment, green, hybrid