Electric Vehicles
Plug-in Toyota, Volvo Unveiled
Toyota and Volvo have unveiled new plug-in hybrid concept cars, but don’t expect to see them on your next trip to a showroom.
Toyota’s NS4 concept plug-in hybrid. (Photo By: Toyota)
Toyota’s NS4 made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, Jan. 10, where officials said the car will include several next-generation safety features.
“We envision that by 2015 … plug-in hybrid technology will have evolved significantly,” Jim Lentz, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales USA, told a press conference.
The NS4 features an advanced pre-collision system to warn the driver of hazards such as a potential collision with a pedestrian, or drifting into another lane. It also has a high beam light system that isn’t blinding to oncoming drivers.
Although a PHEV version of the Toyota Prius is due out later in 2012, the soonest the NS4 is expected to arrive is 2015.
Additionally, Lentz announced plans for Toyota’s Scion division to produce an all-electric model later this year. “With a range of less than 50 miles,” Lentz said, “the iQ EV will be aimed specifically at short-distance urban car-sharing programs.”
Volvo’s XC60 concept PHEV boasts 350 horsepower.
“The beauty with this plug-in hybrid technology is that you can keep all the power and capacity of your present car, combined with an even better range,” Stefan Jacoby, Volvo Car Corporation president and CEO, said Jan. 9.
He described the XC60 as “three cars rolled into one.” It is good for up to 35 miles on a full electric charge. Drivers can also operate it as a traditional hybrid or use the gasoline engine.
However, Volvo offered no guidance as to when the XC60 would be in showrooms.
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Tags: Electric Vehicles