Visit A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid vehicle with batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an electric power source. It shares the characteristics of both conventional hybrid electric vehicles, having an electric motor and a backup internal combustion engine (ICE) for power, and of battery electric vehicles, also having a plug to connect to the electric grid. Most PHEVs on the road today are passenger cars, but there are also PHEV versions of commercial passenger vans, utility trucks, school buses, motorcycles, scooters, and military vehicles. PHEVs are sometimes called grid-connected hybrids, gas-optional hybrids, or GO-HEVs. The cost for electricity to power plug-in hybrids for all-electric operation has been estimated at less than one quarter of the cost of gasoline.[1] Compared to conventional vehicles, PHEVs can reduce air pollution and dependence on petroleum, and lessen greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Plug-in hybrids use no fossil fuel during their all-electric range if their batteries are charged from nuclear or renewable energy sources. Other benefits include improved national energy security, fewer fill-ups at the filling station, the convenience of home recharging, opportunities to provide emergency backup power in the home (V2H), and vehicle to grid (V2G) applications.[2] As of July 2008, plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles are not yet in production. However, Toyota,[3] General Motors,[4] Ford,[5 …

Details emerge on the plans the Big Three will present to Congress. Toyota is going to cut executive bonuses. BMW and Microsoft introduce a new technology to help showroom shoppers. All that and more, plus a look at how GM is helping disabled veterans.

I just came across the 70 mpg Prius and think it’s pretty cool. Total cost is about K, but you get a tax break and can drive in the car pool lane. Would you buy one if gas hits per gallon?

Here it is: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/solar-powered-toyota-prius-news-feature-70-mpg/1534796064
Jim…you make sense. I don’t drive enough, so a Prius wouldn’t help me much as much as some others.
Ralph…yes the "import piece of crap" makes no sense. Most of Ford, GM, and Chrysler has their parts made in foreign countries, but are only assembled in the US. Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai all have plants in the US. I buy American as much as I can, but I will not spend thousands on an inferior product. The Asian cars are better right now. Toyota sales is increasing, while Ford, GM, and Chrysler is decreasing. There’s a reason why.
Jessica….I’ve never heard that a Prius is more harmful. I’ve heard the opposite. But I agree that hydrogen fuel vehicles would be the best. They have them in Europe, but the fuel is hard to get. That would be the best.
Bullet…I seen a smart car, and would consider buying one to tote around in IF I drove more. But the Prius is much larger and safer. So, if I kept my midsize, the smart car might be a good choice.
Wayne….I agree that the Prius is not the best looking car. But gas will likely hit . For many people who drive 2K miles or more per month, that can be 0 per month gas bill. At some point, looks becomes secondary.
Gruz…watch the video. We are talking about the solar Prius. 70 mpg.

van is no more efficient today than 10 yrs ago. Why isn’t chrysler doing something about this? On my home page there was an article about the 10 most fuel efficient cars. All Toyota, Nissan Mini Coop, only one Ford. No Chrysler! Hey, do they want to be bought out? I can’t see them shutting down a plant and just letting it sit. Somethings in the making. What do you all think about this?

Concerning the Toyota recall and shameful Congressional investigations, it could be classified as fraud, if not mass hysteria to generate business for Toyota’s competition. In this case for General Motors and Chrysler, both stolen by the Obama regime. After ten months of investigation and testing by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), they issued their findings. Three reasons for the fault: 1- sticky accelerators 2 – floor mat placement 3 – the most common: stupid drivers that were unable to tell the difference between the accelerator and brake pedals. Chrysler and General Motors are basically owned by the US government which is currently controlled by the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party and the Obama administrating beholding to the unions. The United Auto Workers union has Toyota in their cross-hairs because Toyota factories in the United States are not unionized. Wall Street Journal: blogs.wsj.com This contributes to two reasons the Democrats in Congress are exploiting the Toyota recall. Toyota is a Government Motors competitor, and to please the United Auto Workers union. This is nothing but exploitation by the Democrats and the UAW. Toyota produces reliable automobiles and Japan and Toyota are owed an apology for this shameful attack upon their honor by the Obama Administration and the Democratic Party. Toyota recall General Motors GM Chrysler Japan Japanese …