Toyota Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Prius

As seen on Slashdot, 2007.07.27:

Toyota has announced a plug-in hybrid vehicle, based on their popular Prius. So far, it will only have a range of 8 miles on the battery (13km). They are going to test this vehicle on the public roads, apparently a first for the industry. From the article: 'Unlike earlier gasoline-electric hybrids, which run on a parallel system twinning battery power and a combustion engine, plug-in cars are designed to enable short trips powered entirely by the electric motor, using a battery that can be charged through an electric socket at home. Many environmental advocates see them as the best available technology to reduce gasoline consumption and global-warming greenhouse gas emissions, but engineers say battery technology is still insufficient to store enough energy for long-distance travel.'

I just don't see 8 miles as being very feasible. More and more families aren't living close to where they need to travel as they move further out to the suburbs. Now, this may be terrific for urban travel - but what happens if you're stuck in traffic? The battery has to power everything in the car, not just the engine...

But yeah, battery technology has to come a lot further... Shoot, 8 miles wouldn't even get us to the post office and back...