Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept Debuts at Frankfurt

Japanese carmaker Toyota today announced that it will display the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show this month. As you can see in the name of the car, the plug-in capability is the main difference between the new concept and the popular Prius, allowing the car to be used just like a regular electric vehicle. The Hybrid Drive Synergy is still the main component of the hybrid system, according to a release of the manufacturer. The company will begin a trial in Europe in early 2010, with approximately 150 units to be leased to a number of fleet customers. Unfortunately, only a few details are available at this point, so nobody knows for sure which are the fuel efficiency or performance figures. However, the full list of specification will be surely revealed on September 15 at the Frankfurt Show. As you can see in the adjacent photo, the car looks exactly like a regular Prius, except for the cap that allows the driver to plug it in. On a separate front, Toyota will also bring the newly-revealed Auris hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show, in a broader attempt to emphasize the company's efforts in the green car sector. The Auris HSD will be manufactured in the UK at Toyota's factory near Derby and is project to enter production in mid-2010. autoevolution will be attending the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of these vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions.