We reported a while ago that Toyota was developing a plug-in version of its popular Prius hybrid, but we weren't sure when we'd finally see it on the road. Well, the waiting is over. Today, Toyota rolled out the plug-in Prius for public road tests in Japan. That makes Toyota the first manufacturer to get government approval to conduct tests for plug-in hybrids on Japanese public roads, that is, according to Toyota spokespeople. A small fleet of eight plug-ins will be driven around to collect data about emissions and fuel efficiency. Similar test fleets are planned for the U.S. and Europe.Toyota's move to try plug-in hybrid technology comes in response to pressure both from the U.S. government and environmental groups who have called on automakers to look beyond hybrids for other solutions to our nation's energy problems. Automakers have been hesitant, however, because plug-in hybrids require larger, more expensive battery packs that can withstand being charged to full capacity and drained completely on a daily basis. Ford (California Escapes) and GM (Volt) have shown similar plug-in projects, so getting these on the road for testing might help Toyota become the first automaker with a plug-in hybrid on the market. This despite the fact that they just announced the Camry Hybrid hasn't been selling as well as was hoped. Maybe adding a plug would help.
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