Toyota is preparing the world’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that can travel 20 kilometers solely on electric power, with 500 units to be used on a lease marketing arrangement in Japan, the US and Europe. Based on the third-generation Prius hybrid car, the concept PHEV Prius was introduced at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show held Oct. 21 to Nov. 4.

Yutaka Matsumoto, Toyota Motor Corporation Project General Manager for Research and Development, disclosed that the new Prius PHEV will be using lithium-ion batteries giving it a 1,000 percent increase in range as compared to the third-generation Prius. The current Prius model can only run two kilometers on pure EV mode using its nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

Matsumoto explained that the Prius PHEV is capable of being charged from a regular household outlet making it a very viable alternative as special battery-charging infrastructures are not required to make the vehicle run.

It only takes 180 minutes on a 100V outlet to give the Prius PHEV’s battery packs a complete charge or just under 100 minutes if it is plugged in to a 220 Volt source. Just in case one goes over the 20-kilometer range and drains the battery packs on EV mode, the car’s computerized management system will automatically switch to hybrid vehicle (HV) mode and charge the batteries.

Aside from having improved fuel efficiency, the Prius PHEV now has reduced CO2 emissions. Its fuel efficieny goals are set at 55km/l, with C02 emissions of 42g/km or less.

Under the hood of the Prius PHEV is the current Prius’s 1.5-liter inline four. The electric motor generates 50kW that when combined with a more powerful pack, allows the Prius prototype to reach 100kph on electric-only power. Previous Prius cars speeds up 40 kph mph before the gasoline engine kicks in.

The hybrid mode works much like the current car, engaging the internal combustion engine much sooner. This mode will be most applicable for long trips, when charging the battery isn’t an option.

The next generation Prius will be test-marketed by December 2009. Matsumoto disclosed that 500 units will be made available worldwide; 200 units will be leased to government and other public offices, local communities and business users in Japan with the US and European Union getting 150 units each.