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President of Toyota US stated, "We are doing consumer research right now as well as product development". (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070302/bs_nm/toyota_press_dc_1)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/EDrive_prius_image.jpgReuters - Mar. 2, 2007

Toyota Prius based PHEV’s are finally being developed.

DETROIT - Toyota Motor Corp. is working on developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle and is open to joining with other automakers in battery development, the president of its North American operations said on Friday.

Toyota, which leads the market in hybrid sales, has not detailed plans to build a plug-in, although some environmental groups have modified its top-selling Prius hybrid so that it can be recharged with an electrical outlet.

"We are doing consumer research right now as well as product development," Toyota North America President Jim Press told Reuters in an interview, when asked about plug-in hybrid development.

Press added the biggest challenge would be developing the next-generation battery, which Toyota is now working on internally. "We would be quite open to any kind of sharing," Press said of a possible alliance on battery development with other automakers.

Press also said Toyota would not be opposed to buying existing plants from other automakers as it expands its capacity in North America.

I wonder if by "sharing" they mean the way they "shared" their HSD technology with Ford.

I wonder if by "sharing" they mean the way they "shared" their HSD technology with Ford.

Unless I read wrong, the "sharing" part applies only to the research of better battery technology. On that front, I agree that it would be a wise path for the major auto players to embrace.
If it was not for the deep phylosophical and political differences between Honda and Toyota, I would say that any converging synergies between the two in this area would be the ideal scenario. Just thinking about it makes me excited at the potential results...

Cheers;

MSantos

"We are doing consumer research right now as well as product development,"Well here's this consumer's vote. Develop the plug in software and componentry and design it into the 2009. Have some switch or circuit you tickle to enable the displays and software path. Build out the plug fixture but terminate it before it's at it's "final" position.

Do this and the 2009 could be sold as plug-in ready. That gives you the option to slide in battery "option packs" at any point.

Q: Would you like your Prius Blue or Gray?
A: Gray.
Q: NiMH batteries or Lithium Ion?
A: Lithium Ion. (+$2000)
Q: With or without the Plug-in pack?
A: With. (+$5000)