Known as the eco-friendly car, hybrid cars that you plug in are considered symbols of the advanced future. The savings on gas adds up to the tune of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the car. Right now, plug-in hybrids are not available to the buying public. Instead, regular hybrid cars are the dominant money-saving choice available to consumers. But in spite of the plug-hybrid's current public unavailability, in 2009 or 2010 General Motors plans to put one on the market. So many people might want to know all about plug-in hybrid cars.
As early as 1899, hybrid cars were being produced. The producer of these fascinating cars in those early years was Lohner-Porsche. These hybrid cars had to be charged externally.
In 1969, there was a July issue of Popular science. This issue featured an article on a plug-in hybrid manufactured by General Motors. The concept was that this plug-in hybrid car was a vehicle meant for traveling average distances. Called the General Motors XP-883, it had six 12-volt lead batteries located in the trunk area. And it was meant to be plugged into a standard 110-volt socket for recharging, and the fuel tank could hold about 10 liters.
In September of 2004, the California Cars initiative made a 2004 Toyota Prius prototype into what it called a PRIUS+, the difference being that the converted model had an add-on -- there were 130 kg of lead-acid batteries onboard.
Ford motor company says it plans to sell plug-in hybrids in about the next five to ten years. Everything depends on improvements made to lithium ion batteries. So don't you want to drive of these hybrid cars? With a plugin hybrid car, you'll be the envy of your friends who are just driving regular hybrid cars. You'll be able to travel on and on without looking for an Exxon or Texaco station.
And these types of hybrid cars aren't waiting for someone to bring them out on the auto showroom floor. Somehow, these hybrid cars have infiltrated themselves into the media. That's why people just love hybrid cars in general. And when you think about a plug-in hybrid, you can hardly believe what advances auto manufacturers are making these days.
It is said that there is a global demand for hybrid cars that is unbelievable. In fact, the demand is expected to grow. Therefore, by the year 2010, it is expected that more than 1 million vehicles will be produced annually. And if some of these hybrid cars were made so that they could run on electricity alone, there would be an even greater increase in demand.
But in terms of plug-hybrids, some people may not even believe these hybrid cars are really coming out since what they will be able to do is so awe-inspiring. But plug-in hybrids are definitely on their way. Supposedly, Daimler Chrysler is about to come out with 100 delivery vans that can go 20 miles just on electricity. So get ready, plug-in hybrid cars are definitely coming to an auto dealer near you.