Toyota Prius Plug-In Coming in 2012

Toyota seems wary of the coming wave of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles. Though they've been tentative about the as-of-yet untested commercial appeal of such next-generation green machines, new reports indicate that Toyota plans to mass-produce an electric plug-in version of the Toyota Prius by 2012.

As Irv Miller, group Vice President for Toyota U.S. sales puts it: "The target is 2012 to be coming to market with them. […Until then] we're going to study the challenges of consumer demand."

Clearly, Toyota is going to be watching the sales figures of early hybrid plug-in models – such as the Chevrolet Volt – very closely. The Chevy Volt is slated for release at the end of 2010 (as a 2011 vehicle model).

Toyota first unveiled a Toyota Prius plug-in concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Earlier announcements suggested that Toyota would have 150 Prius plug-ins on U.S. roads by the end of the year. While this is still true, it seems these test models will only be available as fleet vehicles.

An additional 350 test fleet vehicles will be placed on the roads of Europe and Japan, as well.

Though Toyota is tight-lipped about the exact technology behind the plug-in power, early reports suggest the eco-friendly car could travel as much as 10 miles on pure electric power. Estimates also put potential fuel efficiency around 75 mpg.

The current Toyota Prius currently earns a combined 50 mpg.

Toyota has been the leader in hybrid technology ever since they introduced the Toyota Prius to the world in 2001. Now in its third generation, competitors are just now catching up in terms of technology, comfort and affordability.

Looking to the future, several automakers are hoping to leap frog the Prius' popularity with innovative new gas-saving technologies. Along with the Chevy Volt, a new crop of all-electric vehicles could also emerge as new industry leaders. The Nissan Leaf all-electric will be released in late 2010, and Ford has announced intentions to sell a Ford Focus EV by 2011.

Clearly, the competition in the green car segment is heating up. Toyota's announcement to sell a 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid plug-in is proof that the Japanese automaker is intent on holding their industry-leading status when it comes to environmentally friendly vehicles. Whether or not Toyota succeeds in this endeavor, all this healthy competition is nothing but good news to car buyers. With automakers vying for the top spot in this burgeoning vehicle segment, America can expect a wide number of exciting new green cars in the next few years.