It’ll Keep Going and Going….

A raft of news organizations are reporting that Toyota in planning a plug-in hybrid to follow up their iconic Prius. Plug In Hybrids differ from the standard version by running entirely on electricity whenever possible, using the gas engine only when necessary to keep the battery from drawing down. In theory, this could mean most drivers use no gas at all unless they are driving on long trips.

So far examples of plug in hybrids have been limited to niche concepts and the Environmentalist-meets-Conservatives lobbying efforts of the Calcars group, but you don’t have to think very hard to imagine a potential market.

Not wanting to be left in the dust again, GM has announced a similar effort. The implications of being first to market with a 100 MPG car could be a staggering achievement for a company not exactly known for innovation.