The environmentally friendly Toyota Prius is set to become even greener after trials in Japan on the home charging option proved to be a success.
Drivers will be able to charge their Plug-in HV, which uses the same nickel-metal hydride batteries as the existing Prius, giving the hybrid a top-up via a home electricity supply . As a result, the Toyota can run faster and further without having to use its petrol motor .
The Japanese car manufacturer is the first major company to launch this latest development of eco-friendly motoring .
Engineers at Toyota claim that the cruising range on battery power alone has increased from just under two miles to eight, while other benefits include lower CO2 emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency.
In addition, charging the cells up overnight – where electricity usage is cheaper - will lower running costs even further.
Eight of the hi-tech machines are currently being evaluated in Japan, with tests planned for Europe and the US too. British dealerships should see The Plug-in HV arrive within the next two years.
