11 Future Hybrids Heading to Dealers Soon

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

While most hybrids don’t use plugs, increasingly, some do. Included in that list is the new Prius Plug-in hybrid which gets 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined driving and 49 MPG in hybrid mode.

The new Prius Plug-in can drive up to 62 mph on electric power alone, and can maintain that speed for 15 miles, which is a key factor in its high fuel-economy numbers.

It achieves that performance with a brand new battery pack, that is more compact, and uses lithium ion, rather than nickel-metal hydride. This allows a two-to-three hour charge using an external AC or one and a half hours using a 240v outlet.

Currently, the Prius Plug-in costs $32,000 and is only available in select states. Full availability should come in 2013.